The roundtable created a set of concepts based on a general “systems” perspective to guide it in its work. These concepts are useful in the development of a framework for indicators to measure sustainability of water resources, and to determine what research is needed. The figure below displays the relationship between ecosystems, which include all living things and their physical environment, and society, which represents all the human elements of the biosphere, including the economic system.

See the following documents for further detail:

• Sustainable Water Resources Preliminary Report, September 2005
• Kranz, R., S. Gasteyer, H.R. Heintz Jr, R. Shafer, and A. Steinman. 2004. Conceptual Foundations for the Sustainable Water Resources Roundtable. Water Resources Update. 127:11-19. http://www.ucowr.siu.edu/updates/127/Kranz.pdf

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