International watercourses: the World Bank looks toward a more comprehensive approach to management1

• Published in: Water science and technology 1995-04, Vol.31 (8), p.345-352
• Main Authors: Olem, Harvey, Duda, Alfred M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.2166/wst.1995.0327

This paper examines transboundary water resources management challenges currently being faced across the globe. Lessons learned from Europe, Africa, Asia and North America are outlined on the need for more integrated, ecosystem-based management of these international watercourses and on institutional arrangements for improving management. The World Bank's new Water Resources Management Policy is presented with an emphasis on elements related to a more comprehensive approach that considers integrated land-water management, proper pricing for water service delivery, nonpoint pollution abatement, aquatic ecosystem restoration, and institution building. Also described is a key international funding mechanism for more comprehensively managing international watercourses known as the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Restructed and replenished in 1994, GEF can play a catalytic role in building institutions for better water resources management and in fostering cooperative actions among nations in a basin toward the ultimate goal of making development more environmentally sustainable.