Comprehensive assessment of the freshwater resources of the world. Sustaining our waters into the 21st century.

This report elaborates on the policy approaches and policy options that would facilitate a long-term sustainable water use building on other background material for the assessment and on the outcome of an international workshop. Various challenges confront water planners managers and users as they enter the 21st century. Among the multiple functions that water fulfills the basic human and ecosystem needs are of paramount importance. Added to this is the indispensable role of water in food production and industrial development and in the numerous activities and processes in the landscape and society. Hence water is recognized as a vital resource for life human and societal development and environmental sustainability. Proper choice of technological and organizational approaches in sustaining freshwater resources requires the involvement of users and sharing of responsibilities and management tasks. It is argued that allocation of finite water resources must be agreed upon through political and socioeconomic negotiations. Due consideration must be given to the various functions that water fulfills in the landscape and in the society. This needs an intensive review of intersectoral coordination and priorities in allocation. In particular the national food-sufficiency versus national food self-reliance issue needs to be addressed in national policies and in international agreements on global food security. Furthermore attention should be given to the qualitative aspects of water to prevent greater impact to the health of humans and ecosystem as well as industrial development.