Integrated Water Resource Management and Water Sharing

Abstract

Integrated water resource management (IWRM) and water sharing concepts are described. Various definitions of IWRM are presented. It can be described as a facilitated stakeholder process to promote coordinated activities in pursuit of common goals for multiple objective development and management of water founded in sustainable water resource systems. Sustainable water resource systems support social objectives into the indefinite future without undermining hydrologic and ecological integrity. IWRM is comprised of objectives, institutions, implementation, and adaptation, reflecting merging of top-down and bottom-up approaches. It can assume many institutional forms, and is best implemented at the river basin or subbasin scales. Several water sharing models and principles are introduced. Examples of mature yet different IWRM governance structures in California and France are presented. Wide-scale adoption of IWRM remains elusive. Changing societal values, increasing water demands, growing water use conflicts, and link to poverty reduction and economic development provide impetus to adopt IWRM; it remains a promising mechanism to better use and share water to balance economic, environmental, and social aspects that underpin sustainable development.