Ditch, Stream, or Something in Between? Classification and Management of Forest Waterways

How should we distinguish between ditches, streams, and other modified waterways – and does it matter for management, regulation, or conservation of biodiversity? This two-hour discussion-oriented webinar brings together stakeholders from agencies, forestry, research, and conservation to critically examine how waterways are classified and used in practice. 

The session will combine short scientific and practitioner inputs with structured breakout discussions focusing on needs, challenges, and consequences of different classifications for everyday decision-making. The webinar will serve as a starting point for building a longer-term stakeholder group interested in jointly developing more workable approaches to waterway classification and management. 

The event is organised within the AquaBioEx project and closely linked to BlueLeadsGreen, reflecting shared interests in forest–water interactions, ecological function, and practical governance. Active participation is encouraged, and all perspectives are welcome.

To register, press the button above, and don't forget to register with your name and organization.

13.00-13.15 – Lenka Kuglerová, Introduction, results from the survey

13.15-13.30 – Irina Mancheva & Eliza Maher Hasselquist, Policy and management measures

13.30-13.45 – William Lidberg, Mapping watercourses in Sweden

13.45-14.00 – Cedric Bagheri Åkermark, Habitat conditions in ditches, streams and modified waterways

14.00-14.10 – Break

14.10-14.25 – Eliza Maher Hasselquist, Ecological aspects of ditches, streams and modified waterways

14.25-14.40 – Virginia Mosquera, Effects of ditch cleaning and restoration on water quality

14.40-15.00 – Conclusions, next steps, Q&A