Fit for purpose: taking integrated water resource management back to basics

Abstract

Integrated Water Resource Development and Management (IWRM) was the paradigm recommended for water resource management at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Subsequently, however, “development” disappeared from the IWRM lexicon and the Dublin Principles, a preconference lobbying product, were widely promoted instead. A review of case studies suggests that the normative approach of Dublin has constrained infrastructure investments in developing countries, often ignoring the context within which water resources are managed. As a result, its positive outcomes have been limited. Meanwhile, in countries following the Rio approach, water management has made significant contributions to broad development objectives. It is suggested that a return to the UNCED agreement is needed to address effectively the challenges to water management posed by economic transformation, population growth and climate change.