The Crisis of Water Management

A global 'water crisis' looms large for many developing countries. Managing the world’s water supplies involves navigating the conflicting needs arising from economic growth, poverty, food security, political stability and climate change. How can water be used more productively in developing countries?

How can water waste be reduced, water sanitation be increased, new water sources be used, and existing water sources be conserved? How do local circumstances determine the optimal mix of these strategies? How are the demands of economic markets (cost recovery and user financing) to be reconciled with the demands for equitable access to water and poverty reduction?

What policy framework (e.g. regulations and taxes) is desirable for achieving efficient and equitable water supply? What business opportunities will emerge that could contribute to satisfying the world's need for water? Should water be reserved for food production, or can food security equally be guaranteed through trade, by importing food rather than growing it?