This report aims to illustrate progress made on meeting the target to "develop integrated water resources management and water efficiency plans by 2005, with support to developing countries, through actions at all levels' agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg in 2002, through the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPoI). The report is based on a survey covering 104 countries of which 77 are developing or countries in transition and 27 are developed (OECD and EU member states).

Water scarcity affects all social and economic sectors and threatens the sustainability of the natural resource base. In addressing the issue of water scarcity, an inter-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach needs to be taken to maximize the economic and social welfare benefits of new policies. It is also essential to take into account development, supply, use and demand, and to place the emphasis on people, their livelihood and the ecosystems that support them.