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Abstract:
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"To meet national sustainable development goals and tackle specific water challenges, countries need to make investments in water infrastructure—pipelines, boreholes, treatment plants, irrigation systems, hydropower plants, and storage facilities. They also need to invest in improving management of their existing water resources. Creation of an integrated water resources management (IWRM) and water efficiency strategy ensures that countries get the most from these investments, that benefits are equitably distributed, and that gains are sustainable and not bought at the price of ecosystem health. In an effort to encourage a move towards more sustainable approaches to water development and management, the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002 called for all countries to craft IWRM and water efficiency strategies1 by the end of 2005. Such strategies are intended to support countries in their efforts to: Meet development goals, such as reducing poverty, increasing food security, fostering economic growth, protecting ecosystems. Tackle specific water challenges, such as controlling flooding, mitigating the effects of drought, expanding access to water and sanitation, and addressing increasing competition for water and water scarcity. This document does not provide strict guidelines for crafting a strategy, rather, it seeks to provide countries with the knowledge they need to act on the WSSD action target in the way that is most useful for them. Strategies should catalyze action, not retard it. Each country must decide the scope and timeline for change based on its goals and its resources. The important thing is to take the first steps."
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