Foreword and acknowledgements

The world is facing critical water challenges: how to manage too little, too much and too polluted water, both today and in the future. These challenges stem partly from the failure of climate-change adaptation, the increase in the world’s population, and intensified competition among cities, farmers, industries, energy suppliers and ecosystems. Water crises can have devastating effects on food security, poverty alleviation, economic development and social stability. Decision makers will be forced to make tough choices about how to manage water for inclusive economic growth and environmental stability. Better engaging stakeholders both within and outside the water sector can help ensure that these choices are the right ones, and are implemented effectively.