Institutions for integrated river basin management in Latin America

Latin America is moving towards the concept of river basin management. However, one cannot prejudge the results of this shift, since integrated river basin management is a very complex subject, as are its institutional arrangements. On the basis of the present analysis, it can be said that nearly all of the river basin organizations in Latin America need significant evolution before they can become effective units for management and planning. Further decentralization in terms of authority, decision-making and financial and human resources and the enhancement of institutional capacities are prerequisites if these institutions are to become viable units for efficient water resources management in the future.