Integrated Water Resource Management in Colombia: Paralysis by Analysis?

Abstract

This paper reviews the current instruments in Colombian legislation for water management, including planning, economic and administrative instruments. In particular, it reviews the Watershed Management and Ordering Plans, administrative permits for water use and pollution, as well as water use and water pollution charges. It analyzes how they could interact and be implemented in order to undertake comprehensive and integrated water management by the regional environmental authorities. The paper then reviews how these instruments are currently being implemented by the regional environmental authorities, concluding that IWRM goals are not being achieved.