우리나라의 통합물관리제도 도입에 관한 소고

Abstract

In Korea national government has played a central role in managing water system of the nation. There are many problems under current system. First, the monolithic national management system does not reflect regional interests which are varied based on different conditions. Second, River, underground water and saline water of coastline are managed by separately by different entities of central and local governments preventing holistic approach on water resources. Waters are interconnected between underground water and stream water and between freshwater of land and saline water of coastline however management of those are fragmented under current system. Especially with regard to river management, water quantity management and water quality management are belonging to separate authorities causing various inconsistent contradictory planning. Third, licensing authorities for various development planning and activities have been decentralized among various regional and local governments. Most local governments are rushing to attract economic investment through deregulation and unchecked licensing. As a result, water pollution of rivers, underground and coastline is aggravating. Water runs throughout beyond the borderline which is artificially articulated by humankind. Water, regardless wherever located, is all interconnected influencing to each other. Based on this feature of water, is should be managed holistically. It could not be managed by specific local governments nor central government monolithically. Appropriate governance change should be adopted. Integrated water management throughout river drainage basin is a right answer to this. Under this approach, local governments of upper and downstream and central government should participate in deliberating, planning, and make decision. Other than governmental entities, various stakeholders such as NGOs, water industries and researchers should be allowed in the process. This kind of integrated decision-making entities covering river drainage basin in unprecedented in Korea. To adopt this integrated water management system major reshuffle of the government organization is necessary. National Assembly of Korea need to pass a legislation which creates such an integrated water management regimes.