Catchment and River Basin Management : Integrating Science and Governance

The central focus of this book is a critical comparative analysis of the key drivers for water resource management and the provision of clean water - governance systems and institutional and legal arrangements. Through a series of case studies it is shown how decision-making and implementation at the appropriate geographic and governmental scales can resolve conflicts and share best sustainable practices.

A key premise explored is that despite the diversity of jurisdictions and catchments there are commonalities to a successful approach. The authors show that environmental and public health water quality criteria must be integrated with the economic and social goals of those affected, necessitating a ''twin-track'' and holistic (cross-sector and discipline) approach of stakeholder engagement and sound scientific research. 

A final synthesis presents a set of principles for adaptive catchment management. These principles demonstrate how to integrate the best scientific and technical knowledge with policy, governance and legal provisions. It is shown how decision-making and implementation at the appropriate geographic and governmental scales can resolve conflicts and share best sustainable practices.