Case Studies in Integrated Water & Coastal Resources Management

The USAID Water Team documents its experiences with implementing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) practices through a series of case studies contributed to the Global Water Partnership ToolBox in IWRM. The ToolBox provides water management professionals examples of experiences and synthesizes lessons learned from on-the-ground examples. Visit the Global Water Partnership website for a description of these tools. The ToolBox and associated case studies were highlighted at the Third World Water Forum in Japan in March 2003.

Women gather seaweed in Mtwara, Tanzania using improved harvesting techniques, thanks to a collaborative effort by USAID and the Government of Tanzania.

Tanzania: Sustainable Mariculture Development (PDF 359KB)
USAID and the Government of Tanzania have designed a Coastal Management Partnership that has developed effective guidelines for managing sustainable mariculture devlopment at the national level in an area where intensifying seaweed and shrimp farming potentially threaten ecosystem and watershed health.

Indonesia: Integrated Management of Balikpapan Bay and Watershed
(PDF 223KB)
Intense and unregulated economic and transportation-related development in the waters of surrounding Balikpapan Bay and on the surrounding lands threatens ecological and aesthetic values. Local residents and governments are beginning to demand more active participation in development planning for the area, as well as increased local governance and revenue retention through active participation in developing a bay management plan.

Morocco: Implementing an Integrated Water Resources Management Program
(PDF 384KB)
In Morocco, a new water management regime — one based on an integrated and decentralized approach — is essential to prevent years of water shortages that will undermine Morocco’s ability to achieve its full development potential. In the Souss-Massa basin, where agriculture uses 90 percent of the available water supply, the need to seek improved water management regimes is imperative. USAID has been working with several local partners to establish a River Basin Agency for the Souss-Massa Basin to improve water resources management policies and institutions, implement Best Management Practices, and increase nongovernmental participation in local water resources management.

Romania: Strengthening Water Users Associations (PDF 740KB)
Water user associations are replacing Romania’s centralized approach to water resources management. USAID has provided funding, technical assistance and training to a project developing and strengthening the associations, which will be a critical component of restructuring the country’s irrigation systems and increasing irrigation efficiency through farmer participation and on-demand water delivery.

New York City: Watershed Management for Urban Water Supply (PDF 138KB)
Source protection in the Catskill Mountain headwaters was evaluated and selected as a more cost-effective alternative to installing a massive water filtration plant for New York City’s water supply. A comprehensive, long-range watershed protection program that integrated multiple management options was put in place to protect and improve water qualitry. This program was effective largely due to significant stakeholder involvement at both regional and community levels, and the provision of economic incentives and technical assistance toward implementation of Best Management Practices.

The Tennessee Valley Authority: Large-Scale River Basin Management (PDF 614KB)
The multi-state Tennessee Valley Authority is presented as an early and successful example of integrated water resources development and management. The case study summarizes IWRM aspects that could serve to guide USAID Missions and Regional Bureaus in strategy development and institution-building at the regional and transboundary scale.