The Working Party focuses on ecohydrological processes in forest ecosystems. We recognize water as a unique watershed ecosystem linkage, an integrated or ecosystem based approach is needed for both research and management. The unit promotes integration of various critical processes (e.g., forest carbon, climate change, hydrology, in-stream wood and channel morphology, water quality, aquatic habitat and biology) for improved forest and water management over spatial and temporal scales under a changing environment. Through academic conferences, meetings, study tours, and publications, the unit provides opportunity for exchanging information and knowledge, and for training students and young scientists.

The basic forest-water relationships are well known thanks to a century long reseach around the globe. However, new research is needed to meet  global challenges in managing forest water resources for a sustainable world. While process-based studies using small-scale experimental approaches (e.g., paired watersheds, runoff plots) continue to play a critical role in understanding hydrological responses to forest disturbances from climate change, fire, insects and diseases, urbanization, landscapes or large watershed level studies are desirable to address emerging large scale issues such as global climate change. With a wide application of isotopes, computer modelling, GIS and remote sensing technologies, research into addressing how forest management, climate change and hydrology interact at various spatial and temporal becomes feasible.