Sediment Replenishment

Background

Sediment replenishment is vital for maintaining river ecosystems' health, stability, and biodiversity. Natural sediment transport in rivers supports various ecological functions, provides habitats for aquatic species, and helps maintain river channels. However, human interventions, particularly the construction of dams and other infrastructure, have significantly altered these natural sediment flows. When sediment is trapped by dams, downstream riverbeds and habitats suffer from sediment starvation, leading to channel erosion, loss of habitats, reduced water quality, and overall ecosystem degradation. Globally, there is growing recognition of the need to restore sediment balance in rivers to support sustainable development, enhance flood resilience, and maintain ecosystem functions. Yet, these efforts face many challenges, including a lack of collaboration across institutions, varying national policies, and the need for coordinated research efforts. Given the transboundarynature of many river systems, collaboration among countries and institutions is essential for effectively addressing sediment depletion issues.

This workshop aims to build an international network of experts, researchers, and professionals focused on sediment replenishment. It will allow participants to share knowledge, develop best practices, and create a foundation for long-term cooperative research and management strategies. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, this workshop will foster innovative solutions to common challenges and promote sustainable river management practices.

2. Objectives

• Establish a collaborative network of research institutes, universities, and environmental organizations across countries to address challenges related to sediment replenishment.

• Create a platform for sharing the latest research, methodologies, and best practices in sediment replenishment.

• Enable participants to discuss successful projects, innovative techniques, and effective technical tools in different contexts.

•  Encourage joint research initiatives on sediment replenishment, sediment transport modeling, and river morphology.

•  Facilitate partnerships that can lead to collaborative field studies, shared data, and joint publications.