This handbook is written primarily for basin managers and government
officials who need to take decisions related to water management.
Together,
they have to put in place management systems that will mitigate the
impacts of natural hazards, supply water for productive purposes
(agriculture, industry, energy, transport, tourism, fishing, etc.),
supply water for social purposes (health and domestic services) and
protect the environment. They must, therefore, manage conflicts on
water resource issues between many different users. The handbook is
also aimed at non-governmental actors who are involved in basin
activities. It provides guidance for integrated water resources
management that can be applied in basins regardless of the context
(developed or developing countries, humid or arid conditions) or the
current state of water governance.