GWP Toolbox - C4 Social Change Instruments. Encouraging a water-oriented society

Changing water practices to achieve IWRM requires changes of deeply held attitudes in individuals, institutions, professionals and social organisations within civil society. By definition social change instruments are not neutral, one person's positive change is often seen as destructive by others. Therefore it is important to ask, 'change from what to what?' as well as 'how can changes take place?' The key to encouraging an IWRM oriented civil society lies in the creation of shared visions, through joint diagnosis, joint creation of options, joint implementation, and joint monitoring. This itself requires broad stakeholder participation in water planning and operating decisions, and is another strong tool for encouraging such new civil orientation.