Water as a good, a service or a right, is more and more frequently put forward as a major challenge in our globalised world. Water resources are being put under increasing pressure and it is necessary to address how to deal with this extra stress on the environment. When a desire for social equity, economic yield and environmental accountability are also taken into account, the problem becomes extremely complex.
To pay or to compensate for environmental services – how to do this and who has to do it – is not yet fully incorporated into the present models of water management. Today new and innovative ideas, tools and ways of working to finance the protection of our water resources are urgently needed. It is necessary to obtain positive, sustainable results which guarantee effective, environmental management of water supplies.
This guide attempts to define a roadmap for the creation of economic mechanisms and tools that relate development to conservation, agricultural and industrial production, and the increasing urbanisation of our landscapes.
The search for integrated water resources management is dependant upon the integration of all water users and their needs. This requires their active participation in decision-making based on the co-responsibility and shared aims for the use of resources. Involvement of stakeholders is a fundamental prerequisite and crucial for successfully implementing a payment scheme which finances responsible water management. It is hoped that this publication is a useful guide for those considering payment schemes. Everyone needs to become involved in such an endeavour, not only in defining the problems but also in implementing the solutions.
