Abstract

Rivers are the bloodline of the earth, the cradle of human civilization, and the nexus of regional development in the river basins. 

A river of sustainable development is one that enables the healthy, equitable, and integrated development of mankind and the river ecosystem. It is a river of happiness benefiting the people. A river of happiness hence shall not only maintain a healthy ecosystem for itself, but also serves to advance the well being of the people along its blue and green. Specifically, a river of happiness can have the following criteria: the prerequisite is its health; a core function is to provide more quality ecosystem products; an comprehensive manifestation is the harmony between man and water; and the fundamental gauge is whether it helps fulfill a sense of security, a sense of gain, and a sense of satisfaction for the people of the river. 

Based on such understanding, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR) conceptualize a "River of Happiness" as such: a River of Happiness is a river that maintains its own health, supports the sustainable socio-economic development of the basin and the region, allows harmony between man and water, and fulfills a high sense of security, gain and satisfaction to the people in the watershed. A River of Happiness maintains safety of its waters, provides high quality water resources, supports a livable water environment, sustains a healthy aquatic ecosystem, and nurtures vibrant water culture. A River of Happiness is hence characterized by five dimensions: safety, prosperity, livability, health, and culture. 

It is the first time globally to index the happiness of the world's rivers, hence an exploratory endeavour. The readers may find this report wanting in certain aspects, brought by the limitations in theory and experiences, and the insufficiency of basic data. Therefore, the report team wishes for our readers’ understanding and advice so that we can improve. We look forward to joining hands with you to promote the world's rivers toward becoming Rivers of Happiness.