A handbook for integrated water resources management in basins

Is integrated resource water management a solution?

This article provides guidance for improving the governance of freshwater resources, in particular through effective implementation of the integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach in lakes, rivers and aquifer basins. It articulates the links between challenges and IWRM responses, it suggests ways of setting up or modernising basin organisations to facilitate the adoption of the IWRM approach and is a practical and user-friendly guide with many examples of experiences in river, lake and aquifer management.

The authors argue that, the integrated water resources management approach helps to manage and develop water resources in a sustainable and balanced way, taking account of social, economic and environmental interests. It recognises the many different and competing interest groups, the sectors that use and abuse water, and the needs of the environment.

The authors recommend that responses should address:

structural issues, including data acquisition, infrastructure and operations and maintenance
institutional issues, such as policies and pricing, or knowledge and information.

The paper concludes that devising appropriate institutional responses lies at the heart of the IWRM approach which enables governments and basin managers to make a significant contribution to managing resources equitably and sustainably.

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A handbook for integrated water resources management in basins