Erosion and sedimentation processes in river catchments as well as their management are of global importance. The social, economic, environmental and political impacts of these processes are significant. They pose great challenges for our human society on the way to the mid-21st century. The issue calls for integrated and sustainable solutions. On behalf of the entire Local Organizing Committee, we would like to take our great pleasure in inviting you to the 12th International Symposium on River Sedimentation (ISRS2013), September 2-5, Kyoto, Japan. Organized triennial from 1980 under the auspices of IRTCES (the International Research & Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation), the ISRS symposia have been successfully held in China, USA, Germany, India, Egypt, Hong Kong (China), Russia and South Africa, the symposium series provide an important forum for scientists, engineers and policy-makers to exchange ideas, share information and make collaborations. Japan experienced and is still experiencing a lot of challenges in erosion and sedimentation. With the rapid change of global climate, there is a great demand on revision and improvement of sediment management know-how and practices. The Kamo River in the city of Kyoto provides an excellent demonstration on typical sediment-related problems & sediment management methods in Japan. As the place resulted in the famous Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the 12th ISRS in Kyoto will become an event of special meaning. Kyoto University, as one of the leading power in research & education on sediment hydraulics, erosion control engineering, river morphology, etc., owns a lot of reputed scholars, intelligent students, excellent environment and advanced facilities. The city and the university are ready to welcome participants from all over the world!