This new article is the written version of the lecture of János Bogárdi, permanent iASK researcher, delivered on his inauguration as foreign honorary member of the Hungarian Hydrological Society. The paper was released in the Hungarian Journal of Hidrology in 2023.

Abstract

The present paper is the written version of the lecture of János Bogárdi delivered on his inauguration as foreign honorary member of the Hungarian Hydrological Society. It reviews the most pressing challenges – both social and water-related – humanity is facing at present. Using this perspective and referring to the ever-changing societal demands and value systems examples from seven large transboundary basins (Rhine, Danube, Volga, Aral Sea, Mekong, Nile and Zambezi) are analysed for their historical water management and mismanagement. Further threats and opportunities associated with recent development and environmental change trajectories are reviewed. Finally, the third part of the paper summarizes the questionnaire-based investigations by the Global Catchment Initiative of the Global Water System Project which highlights the discrepancies between the international discourse and implementation realities of methods and issues concerning the management of large river basins. Some conclusions and recommendations made concerning dealing with and remedying the discrepancies between the international discourse and the future of sustainable water resources management.

Keywords: Water resources management, mismanagement, challenges, water discourse, transboundary basins, great rivers

The article is available HERE, with full text in Hungarian.