This report recounts the evolution of the concept of a river basin and how it has been associated with various strands of thinking and sometimes co-opted or mobilized by particular groups to strengthen the legitimacy of their agenda. This illustrates the fact that beyond its relevance as a geographical unit for the study of hydrology or for water resources development purposes, the river basin is also a political and ideological construct. The report shows the evolution of the twin concepts of river basin and integrated management, from the 19th century to their recent adoption as cornerstones of the European Water Framework Directive.
