ABSTRACT
This chapter examines general strategies serving to integrate aquatic habitat issues, and in particular, their protection and rehabilitation, into the general framework of urban water management. It focuses on three management approaches to urban environment components: low impact development, total management of the urban water cycle and soft path for water. All these approaches are discussed with reference to aquatic habitats, and finally their applicability to managing urban aquatic habitats is assessed. The chapter briefly presents policies enhancing sustainability with respect to urban aquatic habitats. The main strategy adopted for the protection and rehabilitation of urban aquatic habitats is the principle of sustainable development. The issues of aquatic habitat are regulated in various countries by legislation concerned with water quality, fish habitat, aquatic habitat, ecological status and the protection of species, biodiversity and natural resources. The presentation of material starts from habitat-specific policies and moves towards more general policies.
