Our approach to water management

Research aims

The IWC aims to develop knowledge and understanding that will lead to more sustainable management of water and waterways, locally and globally.

The IWC aims to guide policy, behaviour-change and the protection of water, waterways and their associated ecological communities.

Research principles

The IWC’s applied research activities develop capacity for integrated water management. In prioritising research activities, the IWC aims to:

• adopt a whole-of-water cycle management framework
  Our research activities are based on a systems approach that considers the full range of social, environmental and economic factors.
• tackle complex and relevant issues
  Our research addresses complex problems requiring integrated, interdisciplinary and whole-of-systems approaches.
• build on our partners’ capabilities
  Our research activities draw on our member universities’ strengths in whole-of-water cycle inter-disciplinary research to engage in  questions of complexity and scale.
  
• foster collaboration and partnerships
  Our research activities encourage existing and new research partnerships with an emphasis on international collaboration.
  
• make a difference
  Our research activities make measurable contributions to better management of water.
  

Integrated approach

Water management consists of multiple dimensions. In our work in education and training, applied research and consultancy, we are mindful of the many variables of water management such as culture, society, engineering, science, environment, governance, politics and economics.

The IWC approach to water management entails:

• problem identification and project scoping
• leadership and strategic advice
• information sharing and capacity development
• project management and evaluation