Multi-level environmental governance: Water

This chapter examines Italy’s water management policies from a multi-level governance perspective. It presents the main trends in water quality and quantity and in the development of water-related infrastructure, including regional differences. It provides insights on the evolution of policy, legal and institutional frameworks for water management, along with governance challenges in managing water resources. The chapter highlights the interconnection between governance and financing of water management and the way they can be addressed jointly through the mitigation of territorial and institutional fragmentation, better management planning, further engagement of stakeholders, improvement of the information base, and wider use of economic instruments for river basin management. Finally, this chapter presents efforts to improve Italy’s water supply and sanitation sector and to strengthen its financial sustainability.