THE WORLD BANK APPROACH AND EXPERIENCE WITH INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Since the beginning of its operations, the World Bank has supported major water resources projects. It was also directly involved in country-wide water planning efforts in countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Mexico and Pakistan.World Bank rules and regulations determine internal operations and processes and specify how Bank funded projects have to be prepared and implemented. These rules and regulations deal, inter alia, with international water rights, dam construction and environmental issues. Specific procedures have been developed for the preparation and appraisal of irrigation, hydropower, and water supply projects.During the 1980s increasing attention has been focused on the sustainability of water development projects, with special regard to technical, economic and institutional aspects. Recently, efforts have been initiated to formulate a comprehensive water resources management policy, integrating the various activities in the water sector.