This publication gives an overview of implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) principles and water sector reforms in the countries of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). European Union Water Initiative National Policy Dialogues progress report 2013 Integrated Water Resources Management in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Roadmapping for Advancing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Processes.Status Report on Integrated Water Resources Management and Water Efficiency Plans.
As a result some regions are now in a perpetual state of demand outstripping supply and in many more regions that is the case at critical times of the year or in years of low water availability. In many regions, too, demand is increasing as a result of population growth and other demographic changes (in particular urbanization) and agricultural and industrial expansion following changes in consumption and production patterns. In many regions the availability of water in both quantity and quality is being severely affected by climate variability and climate change, with more or less precipitation in different regions and more extreme weather events. Pollution of water sources is posing major problems for water users as well as for maintaining natural ecosystems. In addition to problems of water quantity there are also problems of water quality.
Many less developed countries, and some developed countries, are now finding that supply-side solutions alone are not adequate to address the ever increasing demands from demographic, economic and climatic pressures waste-water treatment, water recycling and demand management measures are being introduced to counter the challenges of inadequate supply. Most developed countries have, in large measure, artificially overcome natural variability by supply-side infrastructure to assure reliable supply and reduce risks, albeit at high cost and often with negative impacts on the environment and sometimes on human health and livelihoods. All too often the magnitude of variability and the timing and duration of periods of high and low supply are not predictable this equates to unreliability of the resource which poses great challenges to water managers in particular and to societies as a whole. In addition there is variability of supply through time as a result both of seasonal variation and inter-annual variation. There are great differences in water availability from region to region - from the extremes of deserts to tropical forests. Stages in IWRM planning and implementation This is the rationale for the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach that has now been accepted internationally as the way forward for efficient, equitable and sustainable development and management of the world's limited water resources and for coping with conflicting demands. The traditional fragmented approach is no longer viable and a more holistic approach to water management is essential.
#Summarize the steps of the water cycle. drivers
Drivers such as demographic and climatic changes further increase the stress on water resources. More and more they have to apportion diminishing supplies between ever-increasing demands. Managers, whether in the government or private sectors, have to make difficult decisions on water allocation. However water is only one of a number of vital natural resources and it is imperative that water issues are not considered in isolation.
#Summarize the steps of the water cycle. driver
Water is a key driver of economic and social development while it also has a basic function in maintaining the integrity of the natural environment. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
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