Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a conceptual overview of what should inform water resource policy and how, and argues that policies are negotiated spaces within a given society. It discusses the existing water policies in five South Asian countries in terms of their status, evolution and content, as well as suggestions for modifications therein. The book focuses on the impact of climate change and the emerging new challenges and dimensions to water policies in the region. It also focuses on international experiences in water policy reforms in three regions of the world, viz., South America, South Africa and Europe. The book provides the concerns for livelihood security, sustainability and equity, as voiced through various processes of participation, negotiations and contestations, which are some of the important links binding the discourses on water, poverty, and gender.