Changes

[[Image:IWRM photo3.png|right|200px|Source: [http://www.gwp.org/en/The-Challenge/What-is-IWRM/ GWP]]]

[[Image:IWRM photo4.png|right|200px|Source: [http://www.gwp.org/en/The-Challenge/What-is-IWRM/Gender-and-IWRM/ GWP]]]

IWRM is based on the understanding that water resources are an integral component of the ecosystem, a natural resource, and a social and economic good. Managers, whether in the government or private sectors, have to make difficult decisions on water allocation. More and more they have to apportion diminishing supplies between ever-increasing demands. Drivers such as demographic and climatic changes further increase the stress on water resources. The traditional fragmented approach is no longer viable and a more holistic approach to water management is essential.