ABSTRACT

This book provides an ecosystem perspective in addressing the water resource management issues in the South Asian region. It argues that aspects such as sources of water, its distribution and users; land–water interrelations; drivers of change such as laws, policies and institutions; management of issues and technologies related to water supply; institutional set-up; economic instruments such as pricing, taxes, subsidies; and economics of ecosystem services are crucial. Climate changes, melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, rising sea level and the increased frequency of extreme events, have to be factored into integrated management of water resources.

This book addresses some of these major issues related to aquatic ecosystems and focuses on three major aspects: (a) concepts related to ecosystems, ecosystem services and their linkages with water; (b) human impacts on ecosystems, particularly the aquatic ecosystems, and their assessment; and (c) the management, including policy, governance and economics.

Comprising new theories, research and case studies, the book will be useful those concerned with water resource management – professionals, students and researchers.

chapter 1|12 pages

Ecosystems and Integrated Water Resources Management: The Link and the Need for Integration

ByBrij Gopal, Hemesiri Kotagama, E. R. N. Gunawardena

chapter 3|22 pages

Environmental Flow: Assessments and Applications

ByRezaur Rahman

chapter 4|33 pages

Human Interventions on Water Ecosystem and Implications for Fisheries Resources in Bangladesh

ByM. Monirul Qader Mirza, Mokhlesur Rahman, Anisul Islam

chapter 5|29 pages

Management of Water Quality and Biodiversity of the River Ganga

ByR. K. Sinha, K. Prasad

chapter 6|34 pages

Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources in South Asia with Special Reference to Bangladesh

ByMd. Golam Rabbani, A. Atiq Rahman, Shymal Chandra Bhadra

chapter 7|32 pages

Assessment of Environmental Impact of Development of Water Resources

ByBishnu P. Das, Subhadarshi Mishra

chapter 8|30 pages

An Integrated Fire and Water Management Strategy Using the Ecosystem Approach: Tram Chim National Park, Vietnam

ByPeter-John Meynell, Nguyen Huu Thien, Duong Van Ni, Tran Triet, Martin van der Schans, Deanne Shulman, Julian Thompson, Jeb Barzen, Gill Shepherd

chapter 10|19 pages

Recent Changes in Policy, Institutions and Utilisation of Ecosystem Services in Colombo Wetlands

ByMissaka Hettiarachchi, Kusum Athukorala, Ravi Peiris, Ajith De Alwis

chapter 12|36 pages

Environmental Governance: Concept, Complexity and an Illustration

ByN. C. Narayanan, Jayati Chourey

chapter 13|27 pages

A Conceptual Framework for a National Policy on Financing Watershed Management in Sri Lanka

ByHemesiri Kotagama, E. R. N. Gunawardena, K. A. I. D. Silva