Ecosystem management and the conservation of river–floodplain systems

Conserving and protecting remnant natural river–floodplain systems require novel approaches, such as ones that employ concepts embodied by ecosystem management. This study examines the correspondence of the structure and policies of two relatively new conservation schemes in river–floodplain systems, the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve, with an idealized model of ecosystem management. Employing a framework derived from several major works about ecosystem management, this study finds differences among the approaches each reserve employs. The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway stands out due to its longitudinal zonation, its level of cooperation with stakeholders, and its organizational structure. On the other hand, the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve stands out in its monitoring and research programs, as well as its public outreach. Despite these differences, both reserves show a strong similarity with ideal ecosystem management and provide promising models for the conservation of river–floodplain systems.