ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies the most important policy issues, to establish a framework for both policy decisions and strategies and, to list topics for further research. It suggests a framework that will enable planners to put different policy prescriptions into a more cohesive and comprehensive perspective. Erosion and sedimentation are caused by many different kinds of human actions and a comprehensive evaluation of these actions across almost every sector is needed. Worsening erosion and sedimentation will impair the achievement of long-term development objectives. With regard to water quantity and quality, investments and policies should be designed to minimize the adverse effects of organic wastes, to reduce pollution from excessive nutrients and salinity, to minimize levels of toxic pollutants and to reduce sedimentation effects. Research should focus on assessing the sedimentation status of major reservoirs in the world, the kind and extent of damage caused by floods and changes in water supply and water quality.
