ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Available world water sources are shrinking, aggravated by population growth rates especially in developing countries, focusing the urgent need for effective water resources management for sustainable development. With increasing global change pressures (urbanisation, climate change, etc.), coupled with existing un-sustainability factors and risks inherent to conventional urban water management, cities of the future in developing countries will experience difficulties in efficiently managing scarcer and less reliable water resources. To meet these challenges a paradigm shift in urban water systems management is needed, based on key concepts including: interventions over the entire urban water cycle; reconsideration of the way water is used (and reused); greater application of natural systems for water and wastewater treatment; increased stakeholder involvement; and institutional development and capacity building. This will substantially contribute to reduction in the vulnerability of cities and an increase in their capacity and preparedness to cope with global changes.
