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Institutional Framework

Agenda 21, approved by the governments participating in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), recommended the review, strengthening, and restructuring of existing institutions in order to enhance their capacities in water-related activities, while recognizing the need to manage water resources at the lowest appropriate level.

The traditional approach to water resource management consists of various governmental agencies administrating, in a rather independent way, the utilization of each natural resource and in some cases each different water use. Thus, fragmentation and overlap of responsibilities characterize institutional approaches which impairs the integrated and sustainable management of natural resources. Hence, there is the need for reviewing the organizational structure, functional relationships and linkages among ministries and departments within governments and agencies. Further, there is a need for establishing mechanisms for cooperation among government agencies, including those in the legal and enforcement areas, to facilitate environmental information exchange, technology cooperation and capacity building. Institutional strength relies on the establishment of high level coordination to formulate, review, or update water resources policies, laws, and technical standards, and to bring together all sectors of society.

Recent developments in institutional organization are based on the following concepts:

• A decentralized system with national, state and municipal responsibilities and networking among all levels.
• Strategic actions based on the local demands for water and participation of local users.
• Strong participation of the community and stakeholders organizations.

The decentralization process with the participation of the community places the focus on water quality and quantity at the local level and promotes partnerships of public and private sectors.

Key issues concerning institutional organization for eutrophication management

The United Nations Conference on Development and Environment found many developing countries in the process of modifying market economies with a reduced role of the public and an increasing role of the private sector. In many countries, economic policies launched during the last decade have induced a shift from the government being the provider of water services to its being the creator and regulator of an environment that allows involvement of communities, the private sector and non-government organizations in the provision of water supply and sanitation services, as well as in the development and utilization of water in other sectors of the economy.

The responsibility for the implementation of projects and the operation of systems, particularly in water supply and sanitation programs, should be delegated to all administrative levels down to the community and individuals served. The utilization of the skills and potential of non-governmental organizations, as well as the private sector and local communities, should also be promoted. However, administration of water rights, economic incentives, regulations on pollution, and erosion control or groundwater withdrawals are often best accomplished through governmental water- or land-use agencies.

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