Most worthwhile use of water : efficiency, equity and ecologically sound use : prerequisites for 21st century management

This report summarizes some of the most important challenges in water resources management for the 21st century as well as discussing different policy options to cope with the growing water scarcity and pollution of water. It has been prepared at the request of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and SIDA to focus on the policy agenda consistent with sustainable water resources management. The point of departure is the set of four principles for sustainable water resources management agreed in Dublin in early 1992 and later incorporated in chapter 18 of Agenda 21. The paper draws on the Comprehensive assessment and enhances its reasoning in respect of policy prescriptions. Six policy implications to stimulate the most worthwhile use of water are mentioned at the beginning of the document. They are: i. Combine efficiency criteria with social and environmental objectives; ii. Use subsidies for what they are aimed for and not to help the rich; iii. Strengthen women by educating the water managers of the 21st century; iv. Define the roles of polluters and the public sector in the implementation of the polluter pays principle; v. Change government interference, allow farm families to make decent earnings from their fields, and stimulate rainfed agriculture productivity; and vi. Establish river basin commissions and promote integrated water resources management.