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Background

Relevant principles in water resources management

Mar del Plata 1977, Dublin 1992, Río de Janeiro 1992, and other renowned international meetings are milestones at which basic understandings, such as rational use of water, integrated management of water resources, the watershed as a basic planning and management unit, the social and economic value of water, and the role of water in ecosystem protection have been recognized. These concepts, together with the need for sound management tools, such as proper regulatory frameworks, environmental education, public participation, economic and financial instruments, and promotion of sustainable practices, have gained international consensus as being important.

However, in many cases, effective incorporation of these ideas and tools into the policies, strategies, and legal and institutional frameworks remains to be achieved. It demands a strong commitment of the State authorities to agree upon, formulate and enforce laws that, in emerging economies, are suspected to constitute a barrier for investment and private sector initiatives and competitiveness. If top level commitment fails to develop, short-term needs outweigh the need to build sound and stable legal and institutional frameworks.

In contrast, if these ideas become embedded at the highest level in the legal and institutional framework, the issuing of policies, strategies, initiatives, regulations, and management tools to achieve the desired goals will be expedited for the society. Such 47 actions will also foster regional cooperation and agreements regarding the use of shared water resources.

Shared water resources are a significant issue growing in importance. A scheme is needed to foster consultation with national communities without ignoring government prerogatives and issues such as sovereignty. Consensus based planning of shared use of resources should be harmonized with legal and institutional frameworks.

An integrated approach in management

Water resources have been traditionally managed with a non-integrated approach. Two consequences of this approach are the aggravation of water scarcity and increasing degradation of water quality. However, incorporation of an integrated ecosystem view implies serious changes to institutional organizations, regulatory frameworks, and training of decision-makers and managers.

Integration of biogeophysical, social and economic issues, as reflected in the watershed approach, is recommended. The watershed is a physical unit with identifiable boundaries that integrates the hydrological system and ecosystem. Societal advantages of the watershed approach arise because it fosters development of partnerships, enhances local community participation in decision making, provides a framework for training in water resources management and eutrophication control, and leads to integration of scientific data with management decisions.

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• International Year of Forests
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