Synthesis: Features of Alpine Waters and Management Concerns

Abstract

This chapter aims at facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the alpine water issue. The nature and problems of alpine waters comprise a wide spectrum of natural features and processes, uses, pressures, and management options. Many of these aspects are presented in the following Chapters, but obtain- ing a comprehensive synthesis is certainly not an easy task. The content of the volume Chapters is synthesized and complemented with some basic considerations regarding water assessment, rising water conflicts and management issues. On the basis of this background, the necessity of integrated water management and inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation is emphasized. A vision of sustainable water management is presented towards supporting future orientations for water policy and management.