A Handbook for Integrated Water Resources Management in Basins - 中欧社会论坛 - China Europa Forum

A Handbook for Integrated Water Resources Management in Basins

Authors: Coordinator : Letitia A. Obeng & László Kóthay

Date: 2009

Published by Elanders, Sweden

FOREWORD

Water issues touch all segments of society and all economic sectors.

Population growth, rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, the expansion of agriculture and tourism, and climate change all put water under increasing stress. Given this growing pressure it is critical that this

vital resource is properly managed.

The pressure on water resources highlights the hydrological, social, economic and ecological inter-dependencies in river, lake and aquifer basins. These interdependencies demand more integrated approaches to developing and managing water and land resources. There is a dynamic relationship between basin stakeholders and central governments, who have to work together to ensure the viability of their decisions in meeting sustainable development goals.

To address the multi-faceted nature of water management, many countries are now introducing an integrated approach to water resources management at the national and basin level. This includes improving institutional arrangements and working practices.

To support this process, the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO) have jointly produced this handbook to provide guidance for improving the governance of freshwater resources. In particular, the focus is on effective implementation of the integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach in lake, river and aquifer basins.

This handbook is written primarily for basin managers and government officials who need to take decisions related to water management. Together, they have to put in place management systems that will mitigate the impacts of natural hazards, supply water for productive purposes (agriculture, industry, energy, transport, tourism, fishing, etc.), supply water for social purposes (health and domestic services) and protect the environment. They must, therefore, manage conflicts on water resource issues between

many different users. The handbook is also aimed at non-governmental actors who are involved in basin activities. It provides guidance for integrated water resources management that can be applied in basins regardless of the context (developed or developing countries, humid or arid conditions) or the current state of water governance.

In particular, the handbook:

  • articulates the links between challenges and IWRM responses;

  • suggests ways of setting up or modernising basin organisations to facilitate the adoption of the IWRM approach; and is practical and user-friendly with many examples of experiences in river, lake and aquifer management.

We hope this handbook will help to catalyse positive change for sustainable

development. It is one outcome of the collaboration between the GWP and INBO

networks to facilitate the adoption of better and more sustainable water resources management. We expect the handbook to be a dynamic document, updated frequently with best practices in water management for basins from all over the globe.

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