Integrated management of water resources asks for a comprehensive
approach that analyses and integrates information
of various types. For example the Integrated Water
Resources Management paradigm (IWRM) emphasises
coordinated management of water, land, and related resources
to maximize economic and social welfare without
compromising sustainability of vital ecosystems (GWP,
2000). Thus, information needed in integrated water management
includes hydrological, environmental, economic,
as well as social data. This paper presents experiences from
the on-going integration of socio-economic and hydrological
information in the Tonle Sap Lake of Cambodia. It is
argued that the integration is possible, but it asks not only
for understanding of hydrological, hydrodynamic, and
socio-economic factors, but also of basic environmental
functions such as fish and rice productivity. Also participation
of local people is essential as they can contribute remarkably
for understanding of the complex interconnections
between society and water resources.