Catalyzing change : a handbook for developing integrated water resources management (IWRM)and water efficiency strategies

The handbook supports governments' efforts to tackle water and economic development. It does not give strict guidelines, but aims to provide the knowledge countries need to act on the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) action target in the way that is most useful for them. It includes the practical steps for making national water management strategies needed to support the efforts towards the sustainable economic development required to reach the  Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) . Without progress on water the MDGs will be extremely difficult to reach. Water is intimately linked to health, energy, and the environment, and is a key ingredient in generating rural livelihoods. The handbook stresses the importance of high-level support, stakeholder participation, and the need to involve water-related sectors, such as health, energy, finance, tourism, industry, agriculture, and environment. While it is aimed at developing countries, the information and tools described are equally useful for developed countries.