-----Original Message----- From: owner-rivers-list@wldelft.nl [mailto:owner-rivers-list@wldelft.nl]On Behalf Of Dr Christopher George IAHR Sent: Friday, November 19, 1999 10:41 AM To: rivers-list@iahr.org Subject: rivers-list: World Water Forum Dear Colleagues, I have received this following the recent Japanese Government sponsored meeting on a Vision for Water in Rivers - this summary will be presented at the Hague World Water Forum meeting in March. Please let me have your comments and suggestion! Chris George, IAHR Secretariat - - - - MESSAGE TO THE HAGUE >From the Sector Consultation "Water in Rivers" November 1999 MESSAGE TO THE HAGUE >From the Sector Consultation "Water in Rivers", November 1999 Water, it is the basic element of human activity and man draws water mainly from the rivers for his activities. The results of the diverse human activities taking place in the river basin are reflected in the river. Therefore we consider that the river basin must be taken as the basic unit in solving water problems. 1. UNDERSTAND AND RAISE AWARENESS IN OUR RIVERS If we are to manage our rivers wisely we must be diligent in monitoring their condition. Freshwater is a scarce resource and we must understand consumptive patterns within the hydrological cycle and make soundly based predictions of future changes. This calls for continuing study, not only of the natural processes involved (including the likely impact of climate change), but also of the complex links between human society and the freshwater environment. This must be based on the regular collection of a broad range of good quality data, information and knowledge which should be widely available. Accumulated knowledge should be used actively in assessing river behavior and also in raising awareness among the general public. Government action is required to ensure that this public sector activity is adequately financed and that knowledge is promulgated widely. 2. USE AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO RIVER BASINS In many countries developments along rivers happen in a relatively haphazard way. This is because there is no overall vision for the whole river system and no agency with overall control. It is generally acknowledged that the whole river basin should be considered and that respect for the diversity of the river environment is required to achieve better river basin management. Government action is required to set up agencies, or coordinating bodies, which are responsible to all the stakeholders within the river basin and which are adequately financed so that they can achieve their remit. This remit should include balancing the aspirations of all stakeholders and will include responsibility for flood mitigation, water resources, environmental conservation, public health (water quality), navigation, amenity, etc. These agencies, or coordinating bodies, should promote a general understanding of all the issues and should encourage dialogue and participation. 3. RESPECT OUR RIVER ENVIRONMENT Many rivers are being stressed to their limits because of the activities of man. This is partly because of population growth but mainly because of the powerful technologies now available to mankind and a general migration of the population towards large cities. The results can be changes in river flows (increased floods and / or reduced low water conditions), damage to ecosystems and degradation of water quality standards. Government action is required to stem this trend. Realistic values must be placed on environmental issues, including the maintenance of ecosystems, and these should be weighed against the benefits which accrue from development. To harmonize with the river environment, it is also important to learn to live with floods and drought. 4. HELP OUR RIVERS BY TAKING IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PROMOTE MORE EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF WATER AND LAND USE River water is used for agricultural, domestic and industrial purposes. If this water were to be used more efficiently, then some pressure could be taken off the water environment. Human activities have enlarged flood potential by reducing the water retention function in river basins, and rapid growth in population and its concentration in flood prone areas have made flood damage more serious. Government action is required to promote both demand and supply management of water and to implement measures so as to keep or recover the water retention function, including suitable land use management. Water charges should be set at levels which would fund conservation measures, always taking into account the social needs of the poor. Cities should be encouraged to store local rainwater for domestic and industrial uses, and to infiltrate rainwater to the soil for flood mitigation and groundwater recharge. More efficient irrigation systems should be introduced so that less water is required for food production. Dr. Christopher George tel. +31 15 2858879 Executive Director fax +31 15 285 8417 chris.george@iahr.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- Interested in Rivers? 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