20 Integrated water Resources Management (IWRM)

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Objectives

 

To understand the strategies for IWRM, IWRM Plan,Benefits from IWRM, The Pillars of IWRM,Status Report of implementation of Integrated Water, Resource Management approach, Challenges in Implementation of IWRM in developing countries, Conclusion and Recommendations.

 

Keywords

 

IWRM, Water, Implementation, Challenges, India, resource, Integrated and Manangement.

 

Introduction

 

It’s a known fact that water is one of the most vital resources for the survival of life on earth. However, even with 71% of water surrounding the earth, freshwater is a finite resource. Only 1% is available for consumable usage that too is not equally distributed at all regions. Some places have better availability of fresh water and some lack it. (Fig: 1)

 

Climatic variability influences the availability of water, such as extreme heat and dryness create drought conditions, lack of precipitation causes shortage of water etc. Shortage of fresh water along with its misuse poses great threat to sustainable water development and environment protection. Food supply, human health, welfare and overall development are depended on land, water and natural resources. Hence, it is essential to manage the natural resources and limited freshwater sustainably. Growing population and increasing usage and pollution of water, makes it imperative for countries to identify effective and durable solutions to water problems.

 

Figure 1: Freshwater Stress Analysis of Two Periods

Source: GRID/Arendal, UNEP

 

Integrated water resource management is one such concept, which essentially focuses on sustainably managing water resource. It is a systematic process of managing and monitoring the usage of water resource to achieve economic, social and environmental objectives. As defined by GWP (Global Water Partnership), Integrated Water Resource management is “a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.”

 

The approach of IWRM is to integrate all sectors in decision making process to save water resource. Water resources need to be considered as part of any other natural resource.

 

IWRM is one such concept, which has been discussed albeit differently even before the concept was defined by GWP. Many parts of this concept has been discussed even in the first global water conference in 1977 in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Its strategies are related with Dublin principal , however it was only after Agenda 21 in 1992 that the concept was extensively discussed.

 

IWRM system is not a onetime solution; it’s a process, designed to meet the following three main objectives:

 

1. To make freshwater resource available as far as possible.

2. Water should be available to all irrespective of their social and economic status.

3. Water should be protected for sustainable environmental development

 

Strategies for IWRM

 

Integrated Water Resource Management is a concept based on the Dublin statement on water and sustainable development presented at World Summit in 1992 in Rio.

 

As per the Dublin principal, fresh water is a limited resource (Fig:2), which is at risk of getting depleted due to over usage, demands and pollution. Thus, to save this precious resource and for sustainable development, effective water management is required. As water is required for various purposes and demand of water is always rising, the threat of water scarcity can be managed with integrated water management system.

 

 

                                                Figure:2   Freshwater a Finite Resource

 

Source: EcoWatch

 

The second principal highlights the need of participatory approach (Fig:3). Since water is essential for all irrespective of social or economic status, the solution to water related problems should also be addressed with true participation of all stakeholders. Participation by all stakeholders not only means being present in decision making, participation also means taking responsibility and acknowledging its impact. Government and decision making bodies need to ensure presence of vulnerable section of the population in strategy development.

 

 

Figure:3 Participatory Approach of Water Resources Management

 

IWRM third principal focuses on role of women (Fig:4). Women play important role in managing water for domestic and agricultural usages. Women safeguards usages of water, however during decision making process, women are often ignored. IWRM recognizes the role and importance of women in decision making process for sustainable water management and for water related problem analysis. Government and related authorities can assign economic, social and cultural functions or roles to men and women to ensure full participation by all. Gender equality and sustainable water management is related as participation by both genders in decision making process and in water related services increases the chances of achieving water sustainability.

Figure:4 Role of Women in Water Management

    The fourth principal focused on Social and economic value of water (Fig:5). Access to clean water and proper sanitation is the basic human right, which ought to be available to every individual at an affordable price. Recognizing water as an economically valuable good is a way towards encouraging water conservation. Putting a price on water usage can restrict wastage of water, also those saving water can be given incentives for water management. Past failure in effective water management is related with failure in recognizing economic value to water.

 

Figure: 5 Social, Ecological and Economic Value of Water

 

Integrated Water Resource management is an effective and efficient water management process, which recognizes water as an integral part of every ecosystem. Quantity and quality of available water determines its usages. It is a continuous process and not a short term approach. IWRM can be made successful by applying and adjusting management techniques depending on the given situation. Policies should be framed based on various usages of water, while giving voice to all stakeholders in water management and planning.

 

IWRM Plan

 

IWRM plan is generally set within the political and geographical context. The basic aim of this plan is to provide enough water for the society without compromising on the capabilities of the future generations to meet their demands.

 

IWRM covers three main issues namely managing participation, building capacity and mobilizing resources.

 

Managing participation: An IWRM plan need to be prepared with participation of all stakeholders to avoid any disruption due to changing government or leaderships in future. Participation from key ministries namely finance, environment and economic planning are important for smooth decision making. A plan needs to be realistic and should be made keeping different demands of different stakeholders in mind, to ensure effective implementation. Thus, participation by diverse stakeholders is must. Besides, effective communication among and with the stakeholders is very essential.

 

Building Capacity: Building capacity is needed not only to prepare a plan but also to implement the same. Capacity building needs technical knowhow in specialized areas and management of participatory process, while preparing a plan. Building capacity for the plan and its implementation is a continuous process. Each step requires competencies and new knowledge to develop appropriate solution to resource management challenges.

 

Mobilizing resources: Preparing any plan requires both human and monitory resources along with technical knowhow. Participation by all stake holders can be costly affair, hence proper estimation of the budget of planning and its implementation is essential part of water resource management.

 

Four phase approach is followed before formulation of national water management plans as highlighted by Global Water Partnership.

  1. Analyzing water related issues and problems that occur across a country.
  2. Assessing the management intervention at all levels including national, local and basin to provide solution to the identified issues.
  3. Identifying the capacities of the institution at all levels (basin, local and national) as well as the constraints related to water issues to be dealt with.
  4. Strategies are made to develop the deficient parts of the national policy frameworks. International strategies are required to be developed in collaboration with other riparian nations.

   Benefits from IWRM

 

IWRM has many benefits, some are mentioned below

 

Environmental benefits

 

As mentioned earlier water is an integral part of ecosystems. Ecosystems can benefit by integrated water management approach. Awareness program about ecosystems and their benefits can be incorporated in integrated water management in decision-making and planning for sustainable development.

 

The ecosystem approach of water management involves protection of upper catchments (e.g. good land husbandry, reforestation, soil erosion control etc.) and pollution control.

 

Agriculture benefits

 

Agriculture is one of the economic activities using maximum water and it is also one of a major source of pollution of ground water. Also, due to low value of agricultural production, during water scarcity, water meant for agriculture is diverted to other usages. However, random reduction of water supply for agriculture can have negative economic and social impacts. Thus the IWRM planners are encouraged to look for water management solutions keeping in mind environment, employment and social equity.

 

For agriculture section IWRM has recognized the need to utilize the water sustainably and increase water productivity (e.g. more crops per drop).

 

Sanitation and Water Supply benefits

 

IWRM approach is to implement policies that would lead to water supply to the poorer section of the society. The approach is to increase domestic water supply, as well as reduce cost of treatment of pollution substantially.

 

To ensure every section of the society including women and lower income group of people get fair share of water for their needs, representation of these groups is necessary in the decision making board of water resource allocation.

 

Integrated water management has pushed for waste water recycling, reuse of water and pollution control. With higher fines for causing water pollution and strong enforcement, efficient usage of industrial water and pollution control has improved, especially in many developed countries. The benefits of controlled industrial usage of water not only have positive impact on the environment, but it also increases domestic water supplies.

 

In the past clean sanitation system has mainly focused on removing waste from residential areas and dumping the same elsewhere, thus often having negative environmental effects on the other areas. However, with IWRM, clean sanitation system involves providing solution to reduce waste generation and minimize waste output closer to the place of their occurrence.

 

Improved Integrated water resource management could help in reduce cost of providing water services at domestic level.

 

The Pillars of IWRM

 

The three pillars of IWRM are social equality or social, environmental and Economic sustainability (Fig:6).

 

Social Equity: Water is essential for life, countries need to ensure that good quality water is distributed among all for sustenance of living beings including human. The fundamental human need is to have clean drinking water, household water and food production for which water plays an important part. But the mismanagement of water distribution, water pollution, and lack of proper water treatment facilities along with multiple usages of water, highlights the need for sustainable water management system. An integrated approach involving all the stakeholders is an effective way to handle the deficiencies in present water management.

                                                                       Figure: 6  Pillars of IWRM

Source: Designed by Author

 

Environmental sustainability: Environmental sustainability is when the present generation can use the natural resources (water, land, forest, air etc.) for their needs and development, without hampering the possibilities for the future generation to meet their demands. The ecological sustainability is about maintaining the environment as well as all type of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Environment sustainability can be met when all resources are managed properly without wastage and with optimum utilization. An integrated management approach is needed to be defined, where water, land use and ecosystem management are merged with socio-ecohydrological catchment management, keeping in mind different political, ethical and social dilemmas.

 

Economic sustainability: Water scarcity, multiple usages and increasing demands of this valuable finite resource makes it imperative that water is used efficiently. Economic sustainability in terms of water usages is to give cost benefits to the deserving sector and society, financing challenges and cost coverage to secure maintenance of water infrastructure and incentives for correct implementation of water saving procedures.

 

Status Report of implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management approach

    The status report shared by UN Water, 2012 on integrated water management approach shows that about 60% of the world countries today have implemented strong water resource monitoring systems. Many countries irrespective of their level of development have shown progress on water resource management front by opting integrated approach. Ground water management, environmental impact assessment, water allocation systems and even demand and supply management are part of integrated water resource management program in more than 84% of the developed countries and 40% of rest of the countries.

 

In terms of Infrastructure development more than 65% of the world countries have implemented advanced hydropower and water supply infrastructure. But only few have implemented advanced rainwater harvesting, irrigation and natural systems of water harvesting. The scope of improving infrastructure development along with integrated approach is still immense in many developed as well as developing countries.

 

The financing survey for water resource development shows many countries have move forward in direction in financing for water resource development and management. About 50% of the lower income countries have shown increasing trend by their governments to allocate more funds towards water development projects. Also, funds have been raised from both users and polluters, however much more needs to be done to improve the payment system for water management.

 

Challenges in Implementation of IWRM in developing countries

 

Integrated water resource management has been accepted in many developed countries to achieve sustainable development; however its full fledged implementation is still a challenge in many developing countries including India. The challenge is to maximize social and economic welfare without compromising the ecosystems sustainability and the environment. The challenge is to set up institutional framework, capacity building and developing sustainable strategies involving all stakeholders in decision making.

 

The difference between developed and developing countries is the difference in socio economic and institutional characteristics that affect the implementation of integrated water management. The first and foremost challenge that developing countries face is setting up the Integrated Management framework. Most of the time water related projects focus on a particular issue; hence integrated approach is given a miss. Such as clean water project funds is directed mainly to providing drinking water to all, while other water related projects will focus on irrigation, flood control or hydropower specifically, hence funds allocated are generally used for one particular purpose. Many a time administrative policies and law of the land does not allow cooperation between different projects, which is most required in integrated management.

 

In developed countries water pricing has played an imported role in regulating and integrating water management. Water pricing controls water wastages and increases efficiency of water usages. However in developing countries where many people do not get basic clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, water pricing cannot be a solution to meet integrated management.

 

The challenge in most developing countries is the lack of financial and infrastructural capabilities to fulfill the government responsibilities mainly in case of monitoring and maintaining water quality and usages.

 

In a country like India, the challenge is not only to feed ever increasing population but also to frame water laws biding all the states with different cultural, social and economic standards, together with the center’s policies. For example many water basins in India covers more than one state, and as per constitution of India, water is a state subject, hence often states managing water resources ignores the national perspective for the benefit of their own. The integrated approach though may be accepted on paper by nation, practical implementation becomes difficult with different requirement and laws of different states.

 

States in India provide subsidies for water usages for irrigation and electricity is distributed at discounted rates for agriculture. But often lack of awareness, distorting and wasteful subsidies impact water savings and environmentally sustainable usage of water.

 

Rural water supply and irrigated agriculture water supply often depends on ground water, which is developed and managed independently from surface water management. Thus, integrated water management is required at landscape level.

 

In India there is a need to frame such a national policy on water, which would be an umbrella statement for all general rules governing the implementation of executive and legislative powers by the local governing authorities, states and centre at large.

 

There is a need for inclusive legislation for optimum management and development of rivers, which crosses more than one state and development of river valleys to facilitate inter-State synchronization ensuring smooth scientific planning of water and land resources.

 

Conclusion and Recommendations

 

To achieve sustainable water development, water needs to be available to all at least to meet their basic demands. Water secure world is a necessity, as defined by UN – Water, Water security is “ the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well being and socio-economic development, for ensuring protection against waterborne pollution and water related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in a climate peace and political stability.”

 

IWRM strategies are defined in such a manner to ensure everyone get the benefits of water power with its minimal destruction. The focus of IWRM is to ensure clean and affordable water for every person and household, so that everyone can lead a healthy life. The vulnerable section of the society mainly women and children should benefit most from proper water management and governance. The aim is to control water related havocs such as floods, droughts, erosions, landslides and water borne diseases, with proper water management. Water security in general would promote sustainable environmental development.

 

IWRM brings sector of water management together including agriculture, energy, industries, education, health, planning and finance. The joint effort of management by all sectors is the main focus of IWRM, which can be achieved with joint efforts of all the stakeholders. Following are some recommendations to help achieve sustainable water development across the world:

 

Countries should include integrated approach of water management in their developmental projects and agenda’s. National policies should be made and implemented across the country. Government’s should increase their efforts of sustaining natural resources including water through integrated approaches and learn from their own experiences.

 

To overcome the challenges faced by developing nations, international communities and developed countries can extend their support in terms of finance and policy making. International communities can address needs and priorities of the developing nations to implement integrated approaches.

 

Developing countries and other economically weaker countries should be supported to adopt integrated approaches in water management mainly in terms of developing infrastructure and to achieve sustainable developmental goals.

 

More efforts should be given to increase finances for water management. Revenue from water resources and other ecosystem services should be raised.

 

Support with a target is important to improve the institutional framework for management of water resources, special focus or emphasis should be given to countries with lower Human Development Index.

 

Countries should have their own targets and timelines to implement programs and actions for integrated water management.

 

The above-mentioned recommendations are based on similar suggestions given by UN-water, 2012. The main aim of these recommendations is to implement integrated water management for sustainable development of water.

 

you can view video on Integrated water Resources Management (IWRM)

 

References