ABSTRACT
Current multiple uses of water and its associated living resources are unsustainable in most of the drainage basins, all over the world. There are clear evidences of deterioration of the freshwater quality, which in many regions leads to freshwater shortage, decline in fish stocks and destruction of aquatic ecosystems (Marques, 2002; Marques et al. 2002). Most actions taken to mitigate these problems have focused on removing the symptoms, rather than identifying and removing the societal causes of environmental degradation. The participation of different socio-economic driving forces and the root causes responsible for the environmental and socio-economic impacts related to pollution of water resources is seldom addressed (Marques 2002). Limited financial resources are not sufficient to face the increasing demand for investments. Therefore, it is necessary to agree upon funding priorities, particularly in developing countries.
