Going beyond the water sector

Drivers and policies outside the water sector have more impact on water management than do many policies championed and implemented by water-related ministries. Other development sectors, such as energy, planning, land and ecosystem management, trade, etc, need to identify trade-offs and synergies linked to the water sector, in order to enhance policy impacts in all sectors and avoid some adverse effects on water. Examples of win-win situations abound - whether created by governments, communities or businesses - that point to promoting deliberate cooperation between water and non-water actors and integrating water issues into external decisions.

International organizations, notably the UN system, can provide support and expertise to governments, help civil society build capacity and catalyse leadership in the private sector.

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