Rivers are complex entities. In addition to being valuable wildlife habitats, they support human activities by providing water for human usage, renewable energy and convenient transportation. Rivers may also pose threats to riverine communities, in the form of floods and other natural or man-induced hazards.

Contemporary societies recognize their responsibility in ensuring the sustainable use of rivers and in preserving river s intrinsic ecological and landscape values. This obligation is often in conflict with riverine economic exploitation and with risk management concerns. As a...