The framework for sustainable development of watersheds described in this paper is an ecosystem model capable of economic evaluation based on watershed systems theory and practice, by taking Poyang lake watershed as a case. This integrating framework proposed has three primary components (a) environmental policy and planning, (b) geospatial information systems, and (c) community development and regional networks. The framework unites disciplines like watershed ecology, environmental planning, sustainable development and resource management in the mapping and modeling and monitoring of the watershed to retain holistic approaches to integrated watershed management.