Integrated water resources management at the local level: the role of local government

This paper considers the role of local government in water resources management and how this role is changing in response to recent policy changes such as decentralisation, and the reform of water laws and institutions. The paper suggests two main ways in which local government can respond: 1) through direct participation in water resources management institutions, and 2) by applying IWRM principles through local actions. These two approaches are not mutually exclusive and should be followed simultaneously. Some of the challenges in local government improving their water-related functions, and especially governance issues, are highlighted using the example of Bolivia.