Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
O
a regulatory process (such as licensing of water use) that reserves minimum
flows to allow for natural environmental events before extraction, and a
defined consumptive portion that maximises the economic benefit and
minimises the socioeconomic impact.
The third principle, to
address uncertainty about the future and aim for water
security
, suggests a need to understand:
O
resource characteristics and risk and frequency of environmental extreme
events
O
vulnerability of property and humans to existing and potential threats
O
a wide range of potential future scenarios and management options
O
consideration of mechanisms that clarify level of security (e.g. licenses)
O
reflective monitoring and evaluation based on a suitable logic frame that
allows for adaptive management
O
how to engage and communicate with communities about uncertainties.
The fourth principle, to
reduce likelihood of conflict due to inequitable distribution
of costs and benefits
about water allocation
, requires:
O
fair participatory processes and skilled facilitation that ensure all
stakeholders are appropriately informed and have a voice, including
marginalised, disadvantaged and Indigenous groups;
O
transparent and accountable processes for considering options and trade-offs
based on sound environmental, economic and social information;
O
mechanisms to equitably allocate benefits derived from water, not the
water itself (i.e. 'benefit sharing') and to reduce negative impacts.
These four principles overlap and complement each other. By aiming to
achieve these principles through a water resource planning process, we can
address the range of challenges and better achieve the three goals of IWRM.
Water resource planning occurs within the context of international,
national and state policies that guide the planning process and the manner in
which environmental, social and economic outcomes are balanced or traded-
off in the decision-making process. While water resource planning should
lead to sustainable management and use of water, there is considerable debate
about what this means in a practical sense.
How would you embed these principles in institutional mechanisms, to
ensure implementation? In the remainder of this chapter, we examine some
influential examples of international and national frameworks governing
water resource management that encompass these principles. We end with
a set of guidelines for effective water resource planning, derived from these
international and national lessons. The chapters that follow provide insight,
concrete guidance and examples of how to implement the principles and
guidelines through a water resource planning process.
