What is the concept of watershed management?

The concept of watershed management encompasses a comprehensive strategy aimed at protecting and improving water quality and resources within a specific watershed area. It recognizes that watersheds are critical ecosystems where land use, vegetation, and water flow interact to influence both the quantity and quality of water available. Effective watershed management involves various practices and policies that address issues such as pollution control, habitat preservation, and sustainable land use, ensuring that water resources are preserved for various uses, including drinking, recreation, and agriculture.

By focusing on the entire watershed, this approach promotes collaboration among stakeholders, such as landowners, governments, and communities, to create integrated management plans that address the ecological health of the watershed while meeting human needs. It goes beyond merely storing water or providing legal frameworks by emphasizing a holistic view that includes social, economic, and environmental factors.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the full scope of watershed management. While storing water in reservoirs is an important aspect of water resource management, it does not address the comprehensive strategies for maintaining water quality and the health of the watershed ecosystem. Similarly, a legal framework for pollution control is only one element of watershed management and does not encompass the proactive measures needed to enhance water quality and resources. Lastly, increasing agricultural efficiency may be a part