Catchment management in geography refers to the way we take care of an area of land where all the rainwater or melted snow drains into a specific body of water, like a river, lake, or reservoir. This area is called a catchment or watershed.
In easy terms, catchment management focuses on:
- Protecting Water Quality: Ensuring that the water in rivers and lakes is clean and safe for drinking and swimming.
- Controlling Flooding: Managing rainfall and water flow to prevent floods that can damage homes and farms.
- Supporting Wildlife: Making sure that plants and animals that live in the catchment area have a healthy environment.
- Sustainable Use: Balancing the needs of people (like farming, fishing, and recreation) without harming the environment.
Overall, catchment management is about using the land and water wisely so both nature and people can thrive.