River basins worldwide are increasingly confronted by a twin challenge whereby excess sediment from accelerated erosion threatens water quality, aquatic ecosystems, infrastructure and reservoir capacity (too much), whilst sediment deficits downstream compromise river, delta and coastal resilience (too little). These challenges are being amplified by climate change, land-use change, infrastructure development, pollution, resource extraction and increasing pressures on food, water and energy security. While advances in sediment science have greatly improved knowledge, significant challenges remain in translating evidence into effective policies, governance frameworks and management actions.

This session aims to advance dialogue on how scientific understanding of river basin sediment dynamics, and associated contaminants, can better support governance and decision making across the source-to-sink continuum. It interconnects with the International Sediment Initiative (ISI), a flagship initiative of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), which was established to strengthen the links between sediment science, policy and management and to promote sustainable sediment management at local, regional and global scales.

Focusing on the science-policy-practice interface for erosion & sedimentation within river basin and channel processes, we invite contributions that demonstrate how sediment science is supporting policy development, environmental regulation, river basin management, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration at local, national and international scales. We welcome contributions that move beyond process understanding and methodological development to examine the uptake, application and impact of sediment knowledge in decision-making contexts.

Relevant to researchers, practitioners, policymakers and international organisations, the session will provide a forum to share experiences, lessons learned and emerging approaches for translating sediment science into policy and practice, with the aim of strengthening sustainable sediment management across local to global scales.