The 1st International Workshop on Urbanization in Watersheds: Ecological and Environmental Responses

Urbanization has become one of the predominant forces driving global change. Over the past decades, the impacts of urbanization on the environment and ecosystems have been reduced in developed countries. However, the rapid urbanization experienced in developing countries have presented new challenges and impeded sustainable development of economy. Frequent floods, eutrophication of limited water resources, degradation of regional soil, water, and air quality, and risks to food security and human health which were obstacles for developed countries in the past century are now onerous in developing countries. What lessons can be learned and applied from the experience in developed countries that will help alleviate environmental degradation and promote sustainable development in the developing world today and in the future? Watershed approach has proved useful in understanding impacts of human activities in watershed and managing water quality and resources in the world. This international workshop focuses on urbanization-driven changes in water resources, environmental quality, contaminant fates, modeling and prediction, and related management strategies and policies at a watershed scale in between developed and developing countries.