Wed 8th Oct 2008, 11:00–12:00
This session presented the progress with the targeted outputs of the Global Environmental Flows Network (eFlowNet) and discussed the ways forward to engage members more actively. The ultimate goal of the eFlowNet is to integrate environmental flows (eflows) into standard practice for the management of river basins. Accordingly, this session aimed to inform prospective and existing members about the benefits and outreach of the network through demonstrating the different functions of the associated website. In particular, the online collaborative tools were illustrative of ongoing efforts to collate country-specific information on eflows policies and methods while the conversation on potential regional networks was instrumental to the launching of the Spanish version of the website. Among the key findings to emerge from the subsequent discussion: a) the need to increase the network legitimacy by appointing an advisory board to initiate and steer group discussions; b) the opportunity to leverage the use of virtual meeting spaces over physical gatherings through computer-literate young professionals. More information on eflows and the founding objectives of the eFlowNet can be found on www.eflownet.org.
