Water and Sustainable Development: Lessons from Chile

Abstract

"Chile has successfully incorporated water issues into its strategies for sustainable growth—offering valuable lessons to all policy makers involved in national development planning, not just those responsible for water. In Chile, water has been a key ingredient in fueling exports and economic growth, and the country’s decision makers have also made provisions that protect the environment and provide affordable water for the poor. As a result, Chile provides an example of progress towards the three 'E's of integrated water resources management (IWRM): 'economic efficiency', 'social equity' and 'environmental sustainability'."