Rivers and their watersheds constitute some of the most dynamic and complex landscapes. Rivers have sustained human communities, and human societies have utilized and altered river flows in a number of ways for millennia. However, the level of human impact on rivers, and on watershed environments, has become acute during the last hundred years or so.

This book brings together empirical research and theoretical perspectives on the changing conditions of a range of river basin environments in the contemporary world, including the history and culture of local societies living in these river basins. It provides theoretical insights on the patterns and nature of the interaction between rivers and their use by human communities. The chapters are written from a variety of positions, including environmental science, hydrology, human ecology, urban studies, water management, historical geography, cultural anthropology and tourism studies.

The case studies span different geographical regions, providing valuable insight on the multifaceted interactions between rivers and our societies, and on the changing riverscapes in different parts of the world. Specific detailed examples are included from Australia, Brazil, France, India, Iran, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, UK and USA.

About the Author

Malcolm Cooper PhD is Emeritus Professor, College of Asia Pacific Studies, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan.

Abhik Chakraborty PhD is Lecturer in the Center for Tourism Research, Wakayama University, Japan.

Shamik Chakraborty PhD is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, United Nations University, and a Visiting Research Fellow at the Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science, Japan.

Reviews

"this book offers a very diverse perspective on river systems, management, and linkage of cultural systems. In the latter perspective of linking cultural river landscape perspectives-this book is unique. Also of great value is the international range of river systems covered within one book. This book would be useful as an upper level undergraduate, beginning graduate level geography, environmental studies course on river systems and society, or anyone interested in a wide scope of studying river systems for a societal perspective." - Richard Smardon in Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences (2018)

Book Information
ISBN 9780367403836
Author Malcolm Cooper
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 500g