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CHAPTER 3. POLICY, INSTITUTIONAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

3.7. Resources

Throughout the precedent sections of this chapter, a wide set of objectives, policies and recommendations for action has been presented addressing the weaknesses of the institutional and regulatory framework. These weaknesses constitute some of the most relevant basic causes generally leading to environmental mismanagement, water pollution and degradation of aquatic ecosystems, with eutrophication of water bodies being one of its most common symptoms. The strengthening of the institutional and regulatory framework is a key component of the capacity-building effort that should be carried out by national governments and the international communities in the developing world.

This effort needs to be supported by a strong high level political commitment to implement such a comprehensive set of policies with the aim of incorporating fundamental water issues, i.e., its social and economic value, the need for its protection and sustainable use, and the imperative of integrated water management into society values and priorities.

Institutional strengthening involves improving the legal and regulatory framework to ensure sustainable management of water resources and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. Institutions are the formal and informal rules of society which define property rights to land, water, and other natural resources, and spell out the rights and obligations of individuals and groups regarding the use of and access to the benefits of said resource. They also comprise the rules under which the organizations operate. This means setting an adequate framework where Water Resources Management activities, comprising resource assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring could be carried out efficiently according to the prescribed policies towards the established objectives. Special consideration in this regard should be given to the ruling of implementation tools like regulatory "command and control" arrangements, monetary incentives and disincentives, technical help, education and research, and direct public installation.

Organizational strengthening involves improving the capacity of the "ordered groups of people in administrative or functional structures, such as governmental agencies, non-profit public entities, and private firms (Water Resource Management)" to comply with its functions, mainly the application of the regulatory framework and the administration of the implementation tools. To achieve management effectiveness, the basic components of the organizational structure, such as the sector agencies, must have the legal authority and the administrative capability to perform effectively the management tasks within their area of responsibility. Organizations require appropriate human, technical, and economic resources at the local level to ensure that the whole set of water management activities is properly, fairly, and rigorously carried out by the corresponding organizations.

The above requirements are seldom met by the institutional and organizational structures in developing countries, where lack of trained personnel, suitable technologies, and budget adds to institutional weaknesses derived from inadequate regulatory frameworks, fragmentation of responsibilities, and lack of coordination among sectors and jurisdictions.

It is not then surprising that Agenda 21 calls for the provision of specific measures to support institutional strengthening, inter alia, long-term program budgeting, staff training, incentives, mobility, equipment and coordination mechanisms.

With respect to human resource training, efforts should be devoted to grade and post graduate training and specialization of human resources, and, particularly, to government staff, to build an integrated vision of Water Resources Management and improve capabilities in managing water resources planning, protection, treatment, and use.

Regarding technical resources, it is necessary to promote access to appropriate and cost effective technologies covering the wide spectrum of water management activities:

• Monitoring and assessment of water quantity, quality, and pollution sources.
• Technologies for multi-objective planning and optimizing the allocation of water for various uses accounting for social and environmental restrictions and the protection of aquatic ecosystems.
• Technologies to develop, maintain and protect watershed areas, irrigation systems, distribution networks.
• Appropriate methods for water pollution control, taking into account sound traditional and indigenous practices.
• Biotechnology and agricultural practices that do not degrade groundwater.
• Agricultural practices to avoid diffuse pollution.
• Treatment and safe reuse of domestic and industrial wastewater in urban and rural areas.
• Development of interactive databases, forecasting models, economic planning models and methods for water management and planning, including environmental impact assessment methods, etc.

Also, adequate long-term budgeting is required to ensure that organizations possesses the necessary resources for equipment, operation, and maintenance of facilities.

Table of Contents

• Brochure
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• International Year of Forests
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• World Environment Day
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• UNEP Campaign
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