The growing awareness of complexities, the unexpected consequences of management strategies and an increase in uncertainties have triggered critical reflection about prevailing water management paradigms. This paper provides arguments for the need to change towards more integrated and adaptive water management regimes. The example of the Rhone basin is used to illustrate the challenges upland watersheds face in times of increasing uncertainties due to global and climate change. The analysis of a large water management project, the 3rd Rhone correction, provides evidence that changes in water management practice are slow and limited, however there is expressed political will and initial tentative steps. Reasons for the barriers to change are analysed and it is concluded that processes of social learning are of paramount importance to initiate and sustain change. A number of recommendations for policy making are given. Developing adaptive capacity with a long term vision would be a wise strategy rather than responding to disaster and
escalating conflicts.
