ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Water is recognized as a key factor in sustainable development. Its direct links with human life society, poverty, natural disasters and ecosystem functioning render water a prime concern for the 21st century. Climate change, population growth, deterioration of water quality, scarcity and competition for this resource are the key challenges facing humanity. Therefore, comprehensive policies, based on common ethical principles and political will are needed to prepare humankind to face the "looming water crisis". Three major international conferences and their respective declarations are analyzed to comment the evolutionary process shaping the public perception, producing agreement on principles and concepts towards sound water resource policies, strategic plans and integrated water resources management. While convergence on objectives, targets and principles can be documented, the "water world" is still at the beginning to adopt water policies in conformity with sustainable development at adequate scales and to put them into practice. Securing the financial base, the governance framework, the necessary human and institutional capacities and knowledge base are the first steps to achieve the political objectives.
