Transboundary Water Resources Management and the Potential for Integrated Water Resources Management

Abstract

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is an evolving concept used to address the difficult issues associated with making efficient and effective use of the world’s limited water resources. IWRM differs by country due to geography, culture, and stage of development, but generally involves the management of all water resources taking into account other natural resource management, as well as social, economic, environmental and technical issues. A significant issue in water management is the need for cooperation among nations sharing transboundary waters that may have different usage requirements. We look at the history, progress, and challenges in implementing IWRM in the management of transboundary water resources in three case studies: the Rhine River (Europe), the Mekong River (Southeast Asia), and the Zambezi River (Southern Africa).