Skip to main content
TitleInvesting in information, knowledge and monitoring
Publication TypeBook
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsWinpenny, J
Secondary TitleWorld Water Assessment Programme side publication series : scientific papers
Pagination16 p. : 10 boxes, 1 fig., 1 tab.
Date Published2009-03-01
PublisherUNESCO World Water Assessment Programme Secretariat
Place PublishedParis, France
Keywordscommunication, evaluation, information dissemination, information gathering, knowledge management, monitoring, policies, sdiinf, water resources management, water supply
Abstract

This paper argues that not enough information about water is produced. From a social viewpoint, insufficient resources are invested in the supply and dissemination of water information. From an economic perspective, water information is undersupplied, due essentially to its characteristic as a public good. This points to the important role of public agencies (and philanthropists) in rectifying this market failure. Globally, there is an important role for international action to supply public information goods and specifically to overcome the problem of ‘underfunded regionalism’. Information aids decision-making by converting uncertainty into risk, which is more manageable. It reduces ignorance and uncertainty, which are important ingredients of market failures. It enables a better choice of infrastructure to be made. It is also the basis of water democracy, giving citizens and users more control over their lives and making public institutions more accountable for their actions. Finally, the paper refers to the new System of Environmental-Economic Accounting for Water (SEEAW), promoted by UN agencies, which will provide a comprehensive framework for the inclusion of water information into national income accounts.

Notes24 ref.
Custom 1204.0

Disclaimer

The copyright of the documents on this site remains with the original publishers. The documents may therefore not be redistributed commercially without the permission of the original publishers.

Back to
the top