Watershed and river basin management

Leaps and bounds have been made in areas related to river basin management on a global scale, in line with vari- ous technological advances of the 21st century. We review six emerging trends related to water science, research and management. One of the main issues, which have come under the close scrutiny of the WR increased imperme- able surfaces, and anthropogenic use of flood plains, are increasing in both frequency and severity. It is estimated that almost half of the world’s population will be living in areas of high water stress by 2030 (UNESCO 2009).