In contrast to prescriptive and rather rigid master water plans, an IWRM-oriented planning process takes a more flexible and dynamic approach to planning the development and management of water resources. Planning reflects the total activity in the system, whether defined as river basin, catchment, or watershed, including for example agriculture, forestry, mining, and other land uses. IWRM plans can be used to strengthen good governance within a strategic water management framework of goals, policies, and planned actions to achieve the goals. Since participation is one of the key pillars of integrated water management, stakeholders should be involved in the planning and implementation process.
Water demand management and water supply management constitute two different ways of addressing human water use. Water is wasted and inefficiently used by many sectors, and simultaneously water demand is steadily increasing. Therefore, an obvious (and necessary) way to meet increasing demand is to increase the efficiency of use and supply, thereby making more water available within the constraints of existing supply.
Changing the behaviour of water users and water managers towards more sustainable practices is a necessary step in achieving water security. However, this requires changes of deeply held attitudes in individuals, institutions, professionals, and social organisations to encourage a more water-oriented society. By definition, social change instruments are not neutral: the positive aims that one person might pursue with their behavioural change could be considered destructive by others. Therefore, it is important to be clear on the goal (what to change) and on the method (how to change).
