COMMUNITY BASED ACTION ON WATER MANAGEMENT AND WATER BASIN GOVERNANCE

Contextualization

In general, topics on integrated water resources management and water governance were discussed. In the Asian example, the essentials of integrated water resources management are institutional integration for water management, integrated river basin management, and stakeholder engagement. Considering that water management basically means conflict management over water use, it is especially challenging to manage it sustainably. Sustainable water resource management implies in the success of its governance.

Recommendations

As a recommendation in this context where the water crisis is already affecting us and that everyone has the right to access to potable water and sanitation, water offers opportunity or invites us to worldwide cooperation. It is important that the management of water resources in the countries bring together all stakeholders: civil society, river basin committees and users, as well as strengthening the actions of the government. Despite the existence of various laws regarding rivers, drinking water, soil development, industry, surface and deep water, water governance often does not interconnect these activities, diminishing their efficiency. The solution to filling these gaps is the participation of private companies, NGOs, River Basin Committees and the population in their own river basin organizations, which help to improve the use of this resource in a more horizontal management.

Conclusions

In conclusion, it was pointed out that society realized that the decision on water-related issues should be based on active thoughts and efforts to increase sustainability and improve the environment for clean water and sanitation. For this perception to occur, the existence of water education is important. Only informed citizens can play the important roles in establishing good water governance, which will therefore collaborate with integrated water resources management.