Author(s): Jonathan W. Bulkley; Christine J. Kirchhoff
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: In 1998, ASCE published Sustainability Criteria for Water Resource Systems (ASCE, 1995). This report included the following definition: “Sustainable water resource systems are those designed and managed to fully contribute to the objectives of society, now and in the future, while maintaining their ecological, environmental and hydrological integrity.” In 2000, the Global Water Partnership made a clear connection between Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and sustainability as follows: “IWRM is a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources, in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems” (Global Water Partnership, 2000). Macdonald made an additional connection between IWRM and sustainable water use in 2001 (Macdonald, 2001). Significant water resource management challenges exist. This paper documents the call by leading scientists and water professionals for actions to be undertaken to address and resolve the critical institutional and policy issues that are integral to the effective resolution of these challenges through the application of IWRM approaches and processes for sustainable water management (Lubchenco 1998; Gleick 2003; Holdren2008; and Cabrera et al. 2008). This research presents key policy and institutional issues that must be addressed to resolve water resource management challenges using the IWRM process in order to achieve effective, sustainable management of trans-boundary waters. An example case in the Zambezi river basin of Southern Africa is presented.
Year: 2009