ABSTRACT
During the twentieth century, the dominant approach with respect to water management has been based on supplying side strategies and massive public subsidies. This approach has induced the development of large dams, mainly in mountain areas, fl ooding inhabited valleys, affecting the livelihood of riparian communities, and degrading aquatic biodiversity. During the last few decades, this approach has fallen into crisis and new ecosystem approaches have emerged, based on the principles of sustainability, inter-territorial equity and participative governance. A new and better perspective has transpired with respect to water and river management in mountain regions.
