The spectacular industrial and economic development of the twentieth century was achieved at a considerable environmental cost. The increasingly precarious position of water, the most valuable of natural resources, reflects this trend. Today we have come to realise that concepts of sustainable development need to replace the antiquated belief that the environment in general, and natural resources in particular, are simply there for the taking. The responsible use of water, in which man profits from resources without endangering their future, should have precedence in any water policy....

The history of water reviewed in the context of this Seminar will help understand the importance water has had in every possible context and civilization in the past. The ultimate goal of this book is "to learn from history", approaching the problem from a pragmatic point of view, far from the political and social interests which, unfortunately, are usually linked to water.

This work will be of particular interst to wter managers, politicians, decision makers, and scientists and professionals working in the area of water sciences.