Which of the following best defines river management?

River management is best defined as practices for maintaining river health and safety. This includes various strategies and actions taken to ensure that rivers are protected from degradation and pollution, while also promoting sustainable use for activities such as recreation, agriculture, and water supply. Effective river management can involve monitoring water quality, restoring habitats, managing flood risks, and ensuring that the river ecosystem remains healthy for both human and wildlife populations.

By focusing on maintaining the health of rivers, management practices help prevent issues such as erosion, sedimentation, and pollution, which can have dire consequences for biodiversity and human communities. Additionally, healthy rivers contribute to overall ecological balance, support various life forms, and provide essential resources like clean drinking water and agricultural irrigation. Therefore, the emphasis on health and safety aligns with the goals of sustainable environmental stewardship and community safety regarding river systems.