SDG Target

• By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate

Context

Improving policymakers’ understanding of major issues affecting or related to water, advocating for more equitable and effective policy decisions, promoting water issues to be of higher priority on the policy making agenda, building local or regional institutional water resource management capacity, supporting policy implementation, or creating pathways for increased dialogue and stakeholder participation in water governance processes.

Effective water governance aims to ensure equitable and sustainable protection, development, allocation, and use of water resources for societal and ecosystem requirements. It is affected not only by water policy but also by trade, investment, agricultural, and energy policies. Effective and equitable water policy strives to balance water availability, quality, and ecosystem needs, with user requirements. In some cases, local and global organizations need increased capacity in order to identify and respond to problems. Improving water governance and policy development calls for active, community-involvement, adequate institutions, and policies that are approached holistically and balances between competing needs.