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is a large amount of water from a stream allocated
to agriculture then there is less available for town
water supply and instream ecology. IWRM is a
framework for change that recognises this intercon-
nectedness and builds structures to manage water
with this in mind. It is an attempt to move away
from structures that promote individual sectors
competing against each other for the scarce resource
of water and moves towards joint ownership of water
resource management.
The types of approaches suggested for use within
IWRM are illustrated in Table 8.2. These are instru-
ments for change that the Global Water partnership
promotes as being integral to IWRM. While these
are by no means the only means of achieving an
a process which promotes the coordinated development
and management of water, land and related resources in
order to maximise the resultant economic and social
welfare in an equitable manner without compromising
the sustainability of vital ecosystems.
(Global Water Partnership, Technical Advisory
Committee, 2004, p. 7)
The emphasis within an IWRM approach to water
management is on integration between sectors
involved in water resources, including local com-
munities (a participatory approach). Although this
is promoted as a new approach to resource manage-
ment it is in many ways a return to traditional
values with recognition of the interconnectedness
of hydrology, ecology and land management. If there
Table 8.2 Eight IWRM instruments for change as promoted by the Global Water Partnership
IWRM instrument for change
Comments and requirements
Water resources assessment
Understanding what water resources are available
and the water needs of communities. Requires
measurements of flows, groundwater levels, etc. and
water usage (e.g. metering of take).
IWRM plans
Combining development options, resource use and
human interaction. Requires inter-sectoral approach.
Demand management
Using water more efficiently. Requires knowledge
of where water losses occur (leakage) and plans
on how to promote water efficiency.
Social change instruments
Encouraging a water-oriented society. Requires
community education on the importance of using
water wisely.
Conflict resolution
Managing disputes, ensuring sharing of water.
Requires promotion of trust between sectors and
robust dispute settlement systems.
Regulatory instruments
Allocation and water use limits. Requires good
knowledge about the amount of available resource
and how the hydrological system responds to stress
(either natural or human-induced).
Economic instruments
Using value and prices for efficiency and equity.
Requires good information on water usage and
overall water demand.
Information management and exchange
Improving knowledge for better water management.
Requires good data-sharing principles (e.g. between
flood control and water supply agencies).
Source : GWP (2004)
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