SUSTAINABLE WATER107

effluent discharge (the ZED approach). Innovativeconcepts such as the virtual water trade are enabling a better understanding of how import and exportpatterns can affect the water balance of a country, andtherefore how they can improve their water securitythrough better agricultural and industrial policies. With continental grids balancing electricity usage, the benefits of hydropower (and other renewables) can also be shared more widely and across nationalboundaries. All this means that the water sector is increasinglybetter equipped to deal with climate change. This is not only a national task but also an opportunity for regional security and economic development.Smart investments in water resources managementstrengthen the ability of countries to adapt to newdemands and external pressures. However, in manycases, rivers and aquifers are shared by more than one108SUSTAINABLE WATERDUBLIN-RIO PRINCIPLES1. Fresh water is a finite and vulnerable resource,essential to sustain life, development and theenvironment.2. Water development and management should bebased on a participatory approach, involving users,planners and policy-makers at all levels.3. Women play a central part in the provision,management and safeguarding of water.4. Water is a public good and has a social andeconomic value in all its competing uses.5. Integrated water resources management: theequitable and efficient management andsustainable use of water as an integral part of theecosystem.Courtesy of Global Water Partnership/Saganang TubigCourtesy of Global Water Partnership/Ernie Peñaredondo