Ecohydrology for implementation of the EU water framework directive

Ecohydrology is defined as a sub-discipline of hydrology that focuses on ecological processes occurring within the hydrological cycle and strives to utilise such processes to enhance environmental sustainability. The first step in defining the role of ecohydrology for implementation of the EU water framework directive should be the analysis of the pattern of scientific methodologies that stimulate recent progress in environmental sciences. Such progress has been directly translated into 'good ecological status' of inland and coastal waters. From the perspective of the evolution of paradigms in environmental sciences during recent decades, three stages can be distinguished. The first two are information (structure states, relationships) and knowledge (through integration of different scientific disciplines, synergies in information can highlight the patterns and processes (e.g. ecohydrology)). The third and most advanced stage of the science is wisdom – the ability to use information and knowledge to devel...