Integrated Water Resources Management: A Reassessment

Abstract

The concept of integrated water resources management (IWRM) has been around for some 60 years. It was rediscovered by some in the 1990s. While at a first glance, the concept of IWRM looks attractive, a deeper analysis brings out many problems, both in concept and implementation, especially for meso- to macro-scale projects. The definition of IWRM continues to be amorphous, and there is no agreement on fundamental issues like what aspects should be integrated, how, by whom, or even if such integration in a wider sense is possible. The reasons for the current popularity of the concept are analyzed, and it is argued that in the real world, the concept will be exceedingly difficult to be made operational.     

基于管理系统原理的水资源统一管理探讨

基于管理的系统原理内涵：整体性、动态性、开放性、环境适应性和综合性原理,对水资源统一管理多样化方法、目的进行了分析,指出不同水资源统一管理视角下的管理子系统,都要根据管理的系统原理,满足系统集合性、层次性、相关性要求,整合水资源统一管理的5个要素：主体、客体、目的、环境条件、方法,高效满足人类对水资源的要求。     

Management Implications to Water Resources Constraint Force on Socio-economic System in Rapid Urbanization: A Case Study of the Hexi Corridor,NW China

As water has become the shortest resources in arid, semi-arid and rapid urbanization areas when the water resources utilization has approached or exceeded its threshold, water resources system slows down the socio-economic growth rate and destroys the projected targets to eradicate poverty and realize sustainable development. We put forward the concept of Water Resources Constraint Force (WRCF) and constructed a conceptual framework on it. Conceptual models on the interactions and feedbacks between water resources and socio-economic systems in water scarce regions or river basins indicate that, if the socio-economic system always aims at sustainable development, WRCF will vary with a normal distribution curve. Rational water resources management plays an important role on this optimistic variation law. Specifically, Water Demand Management (WDM) and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) are considered as an important perspective and approach to alleviate WRCF. A case study in the Hexi Corridor of NW China indicates that, water resources management has great impact on WRCF both in Zhangye and Wuwei Region, and also the river basins where they are located. The drastic transformation of water resources management pattern and the experimental project – Building Water-saving Society in Zhangye Region alleviated the WRCF to some extent. However, from a water resources management view, WRCF in Zhangye Region still belongs to the severe constraint type. It will soon step into the very severe constraint type. In order to shorten the periods from the very severe constraint type finally to the slight constraint type, WDM and IWRM in the Hei River Basin should be improved as soon as possible. However, in the Shiyang River Basin, WRCF belongs to the very severe constraint type at present due to poor water resources management in the past. Though the socio-economic system adapted itself and alleviated the WRCF to some extent, the Shiyang River Basin had to transform the water supply management pattern to WDM, and seek IWRM in recent years. It is concluded that WDM and IWRM is a natural selection to alleviate the WRCF on the socio-economic system and realize sustainable development.     

Sleeping with the enemy? Capturing internal risks in the logical framework of a water management project

Logframes are fundamental to contemporary development. However, there are ongoing debates about their efficacy. This paper pinpoints the limitations of the logframe approach in a water project in Central Asia. Issues surrounding logframes are identified. These include addressing internal risks; the use of baseline studies for the accuracy of assumptions; the ability to adapt under an inflexible budget; and linking the logframe and contract. Findings show that rigid planning may constrain effective project implementation. Greater flexibility through embedded learning and adaptation, adjustable budgets and meaningful mainstreaming of risks may equip projects to cope with uncertainties to achieve sustainability.     

‘Integrated’ approaches to water and natural resources management in South Australia

In the context of criticism that the definition and scope of integrated water resources management have not been clearly defined, experience in South Australia from the early 1970s to 2014 related to a holistic and integrated approach to water and natural resources management is examined. Three different approaches have been used in South Australia, each striving to be more holistic and integrated than its predecessor. A key challenge for managers is to achieve efficient and effective implementation of related policies, programmes and plans as more aspects become incorporated into a holistic and integrated approach. A main conclusion is that to successfully implement a holistic and integrated approach it is essential to be clear what ‘integrated’ and ‘holistic’ mean, because they are not the same or interchangeable. Furthermore, integrated and focused approaches are not mutually exclusive, and can be pursued simultaneously. This conclusion questions the argument that an integrated approach inevitably leads to so many variables being considered that it becomes so complex, unwieldy and cumbersome that it leads to non-actionable initiatives.     

我国现有水资源冲突管理制度体系探析

对我国现行的水资源冲突管理制度体系展开了述评。主要梳理了国家制定的水资源冲突管理制度、国务院组成部门的水资源冲突管理制度,以及上述两类制度的主要内容;分析了水量冲突管理制度、水质冲突管理制度以及跨界水资源冲突管理制度存在的不足之处。在此基础上,提出了完善我国水量冲突管理制度、水质冲突管理制度、跨界水资源冲突管理制度方面的有益建议,可为水资源冲突管理部门和相关决策机构系统构建我国的水资源冲突管理制度提供参考与借鉴。     

A Framework for Conflict Resolution

This article presents a comprehensive model on conflict resolution that can be used for both solving actual water management conflicts and for guiding further research. The model is based on a literature study and integrates the several approaches found to help overcome the limitations of the individual approaches. The model consists of four parts. First, three possible sources of conflicts are inventoried and their interrelations are discussed. Second, the “basic mechanisms” for addressing the individual sources of conflict are presented. The third part consists of a short overview of the different conflict resolution methods and procedures that can be applied to make these mechanisms operational in practice. The fourth part of the model is a discussion of the contextual factors influencing conflicts and conflict resolution, with special emphasis on cultural factors. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for the conflict resolution practice and for research.     

推进水利改革 发展水利经济 努力加快广西水利事业大发展

介绍了把水利资源转变成水利资本,把水利资源优势转变为水利经济优势,实现水利存量资产转变为可活动水利资本,立足水利,壮大水利,发展水利的思路。提出了进一步解放思想、强化发展意识、转变工作思路,增强运用市场手段的能力,全面推进水利工程管理体制改革和农村小型水利体制改革、实施水价管理改革、推进水务管理体制改革和水利投融资体制改革,大力发展水利经济。     

世界水危机及对策探讨

由于人口增长、水污染、跨国水体管理不善、水供需系统低效运行等因素的综合作用,世界人均可用淡水量正在持续下降,水资源短缺日趋严重。避免潜在的水危机需要我们用全新的思考方式和态度对待水问题,找到更科学、更高效、更完善的水的计划、生产、配置、节约和管理策略。介绍了目前世界淡水资源的可利用量、抽取和消耗状况;强调了促使未来水问题更加复杂化的一些主要因素;尝试性提供一些防治未来水危机和实现水可持续利用的综合性对策及建议。     

Incorporating Eco-environmental Water Requirements in Integrated Evaluation of Water Quality and Quantity—A Study for the Yellow River

River water has dual functions; it can be withdrawn for agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses and provides eco-environmental water (EEW) for riverine systems. A concept of intensity of ecological function of river water (IEFRW) has been put forward, and an integrated water quantity and quality evaluation method in combination with eco-environmental water requirements has been developed for a river. Based on the monthly data of water quality and quantity as well as the withdrawals during 1997 to 1999, an integrated evaluation of water resources has been conducted for the Yellow River. The results indicated that actual IEFRW can directly reflect the health state of riverine ecosystems. The actual increments of water resources availabilities caused by providing EEW for the riverine systems were lower than the eco-environmental water requirements of the riverine ecosystem, leading to the intermittent interruption of river flow and other eco-environmental problems of the Yellow River.     

Experiences with IWRM in the Central Asia and Caucasus Regions

Abstract

The Soviet period of the command system left a legacy of under-funded multilevel bureaucratic structure of water administration and planning for the Central Asia and Caucasus countries. The existing administrative system of water management is unable to cope with inter-sector, dynamic, and versatile character of current water management problems. Therefore, the situation calls for principles of integrated water resources management (IWRM) in the region. This paper presents some ideas about institutional reforms in water sector started in Central Asia and Caucasus regions. It describes the key IWRM principles and how these principles are being implemented into practice.     

Towards transition management of European water resources

Global change fundamentally changes the nature of water-related problems. We will illustrate this by showing how perceptions of the water-problems in the Netherlands have shifted in the past four decades. The nature of water-related problems changed from a technical problem to a so-called ‘persistent’ problem, characterized by plurality, uncertainty and complexity. Although integrated water resource management (IWRM) has been advocated to cope with this type of problem, the complexity of the transition process towards such a water management regime is often underestimated. Therefore, transition management is needed in the water sector. Transition management theory is presented and applied to the Dutch case. Transition management strategies are suggested that would reinforce this transition. Comparison between the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) and transition management indicates that the Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) in its current form is not sufficiently stimulating an innovation climate.     

英国法国水资源管理制度的考察

英国实地的是中央对水资源按流域统一管理和水务私有化相结合的管理体制；法国则采用“议会”式的流域娲地及其执行机构一流域水管局来统一管理流域水资源，城市水务并不像英国那样搞全面私有化，而是将其资产所有权转让给私营企业，实行有计划的委托管理。     

关于水资源综合管理与最严格水资源管理制度的思考

对水资源综合管理与最严格水资源管理制度进行综述和比较分析,并指出:两者都以可持续发展为目标,强调全过程管理,倡导多手段运用,注重跨部门协调和公众参与,兼顾政府与市场,注重法制和体制.同时,两者在视角上各有侧重,前者更强调“综合”,后者更注重“严格”,并在实施公众参与、强调水土资源统筹、关注风险管理等方面有所不同.     

我国取水许可制度实施现状与完善建议

严格实施取水许可管理制度对水资源的统一管理,保障水资源的可持续开发利用具有重要意义。阐述了国内外取水许可管理制度的产生背景与发展历程,总结了我国取水许可管理现状及实施成效,分析了取水许可贯彻落实过程中存在的主要问题并提出了主要对策和完善建议。分析结果对落实最严格水资源管理制度、推动水生态文明建设工作具有积极意义。     

全球气候变化对水资源管理影响的研究综述

气候变化已成为当今科学界、各国政府和社会公众普遍关注的环境问题之一,气候变化可能对生态系统和社会经济产生灾难性的影响。评价全球气候变化对水资源及水文条件的影响显得非常迫切。本文回顾了全球气候变化对水文水资源影响的研究进展,总结了其发展趋势,进一步分析了我国在这方面的研究进展,在此基础上,提出了主要问题及未来的发展趋势。     

Water access in Sucre,Bolivia: a case of governance deficit

Bolivia is one of the countries on the American continent with the lowest rates of access to water, a situation that has caused confrontation between civil society and water utility managers in some cities. This research describes the water access scenario in Sucre, the capital of Bolivia, together with the key challenges faced by the company that manages the water services in the city. The case of Sucre is an example of how poor water governance can generate inefficiencies in the management of the service. Taking this into consideration, policy and institutional reforms are recommended to facilitate decision making aimed at improving the current situation of access to water.