2016
We introduce here the term ‘‘River Culture’’ to delineate an eco-social approach to mitigate
the biological and cultural diversity crisis in riverscapes. It is based on the insight that
current environmental change endangers both, biological and cultural diversities in rivers
and their basins, and those activities to improve ecosystem functions, biodiversity and
capacity of the biological species to evolve will have a similarly positive effect on human
cultural diversity. ‘‘River Culture’’ has two dimensions, including (a) the influence of the
biophysical setting of rivers (specifically, their pulsating flow regimes and their biological
features) on the expression of elements of human culture in general and (b) the aspect of
‘‘learning from the river’’ for the development of technologies and management options
that are targeted to maintain and improve ecosystem functions and diversity in a more
sustainable way. The River Culture approach, as given in this concept and discussion paper,
is preliminarily based on five tenets: (1) Reset values and priorities in riverscape
management in favor of human wellbeing and a harmonious coexistence of man and
riverscape; (2) Live in the rhythm of the waters, i.e. adapt management options in
accordance with the hydrological dynamics rather than fighting against them; (3)
Transform traditional use of rivers into modern cultural activities and management
options; (4) ‘Ecosystem bionics’: by copying survival strategies of flood-pulse adapted