Keys to improve IWLRM: Three laboratories in Andalusia, Spain

Abstract

Achieving more sustainable water resource management undoubtedly requires integrated management together with land resources, as has been affirmed in scientific and technical forums around the world for various decades. However, this general consensus has not been transformed into effective results due to the existence of a range of obstacles (administrative, conceptual and temporal). This article suggests means of improving the drafting of spatial and river basin management planning instruments to achieve more integrated management during the application phase in their respective areas of influence. Modifications to the content of these plans are proposed in accordance with a reference framework that addresses relevant aspects of IWLRM based on three different dimensions (presence, effectiveness and coherence), allowing definition of „model plans for IWLRM‟ in specific spatial areas. Based on this approach, a methodology has been developed that compares the model plans with the existing plans in order to assess the aptitude (high, medium, low) of these instruments to achieve IWLRM and also to facilitate identification of the keys to achieve improvements in terms of IWLRM. Three zones of Andalusia (Spain) have been used as territorial laboratories. Following an evaluation of their main planning instruments from the perspective of IWLRM, the keys to their improvement in order to achieve more integrated management in these zones have been identified.