Managing water under uncertainty and risk: World water development report 4 (WWDR4) - Volume 1

This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the world’s water resources and introduces a strong thematic element. Building on the WWDR3 in the recognition of the externalities, the WWDR4 elaborates on the interactions between water and the drivers of change. It describes the major changes, uncertainties, and risks taking place in the world and their links to water resources. It gives account of the status and the trends related to water supplies, uses, management, institutions and financing; highlight regional hotspots, and address issues such as gender equality, water-related disasters, health and the role of ecosystems.

The report aims to encourage all stakeholders both in and out of the ‘water box’ - water managers, leaders in government, civil society and businesses – to engage early in decision-making processes to improve the quality and acceptance of decisions and the probability of successful implementation.