Stability of the Irrigation System in the Indus Basin

ABSTRACT

Environmental degradation is continuing in developing countries and in Eastern Europe. The change in approach with regard to water management and environmental protection which has occurred in developed countries, did not alter our actions. Most of the present scientific effort and technical developments are still offshoots of the technology designed by, and applicable in rich, developed countries. In order to achieve sustainability of the environment in developing countries and Eastern Europe, new, radical, economically efficient and environmentally sound technology, providing a solution to widespread pollution problems, must be developed. The transfer of modern ideas and approaches to environmental problems of today may be more important than the traditional transfer ofknowledge and technology as it is understood and conducted today. Performing pilot projects when the transfer of approaches is the major goal, is perhaps the most important action to which financial means should be allocated, instead of to the construction of facilities designed according to the previously governing technical paradigm. The paper advocates and gives examples of actions based on an ecological approach, which emerges from understanding the cyclicity of material and energy flows in nature.