This book addresses the evaluation of environmental impacts and services identified in
headwaters of different eco-zones around the world. It presents 24 papers selected from
contributions to recent meetings of the European Forestry Commission Working Party on the
Management of Mountain Watersheds which is coordinated by the FAO (Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations). Through its biennial sessions and inter-session activities
the Working Party focuses on the continuous exchange of knowledge and experience between
professionals in Europe and other regions of the world confronted with similar issues. The
contributions have been updated and peer-reviewed and the interdisciplinary team of authors
includes experts from the fields of geography hydrology chemistry biology forestry ecology
and socio-economics. The participatory management of headwater catchments in Europe Africa
America and Asia was the central theme of the articles which were divided into four sessions:
(1) Headwater Environment and Natural Resources (2) Enhancing Environmental Services in
Headwaters (3) Environmental Services in the Changing World and (4) New Challenges for
Environmental Education and Active Citizenship. The practical applications shown in the book
address the multi-resource concept.The book offers a unique and valuable resource for
environmentalists engineers watershed planners and policymakers alike.
