Information Management enables the transition from policy formulation to policy implementation. As the name suggests information management is a system of managing and disseminating information. This can be in the form of online resources made available to all, archives or information management systems utilising special technology such as GIS. It involves the creation of a database and its regular update. In this toolkit you will find resources related to the concept of information management, why and how to build your very own system and a look at case studies that demonstrate how they have chosen to build an information system focussing on water resource management. Information management is an important step in the project cycle and should be given emphasis in the planning stages.

Why and How This section of the toolkit contains resources that explains the importance of Information systems and gives the user an idea of what it takes to build one for their purpose. The documents also provide guidance and information, reference points on how to set up an information system and highlight how to assess what your information management needs are.

1) Information Management Systems
2) C1.1 Water resources knowledge base (GWP ToolBox)
3) Getting Technical Information into Watershed Decision-Making. W. Allen and M. Kilvington

Concept of Information ManagementThe resources in this section demonstrate the concept of information management and provide examples of different systems. These systems act as a mechanism for dissemination of information and facilitate information sharing with all the stakeholders.  The documents also provide information on the technologies that can be used and special requirements for these technologies.

1) Knowledge and Information Management in the water and sanitation sector. A hard nut to crack. (IRC)
2) Modelling in IWRM (GWP ToolBox)
3) C8. Information Exchange – Sharing knowledge for better water management (GWP ToolBox)

Case StudyThe case studies provide an overview of how information management systems have been used by projects (water related projects) to enhance the operation of their project and reach out to their stakeholders. The case studies also try and portray the importance of having an information management system.

1) World Metrological Organization Hydrological Cycle Observing System for the Pacific  Island Countries. Pacific - HYCOS Project Document DRAFT May 2000. (SOPAC)
2) Why involving people is important: the forgotten part of environmental information system management.
3) Monitoring and adaptive management: resolving social and organisational issues to improve information sharing in natural resource management
4) USA: The Chesapeake Bay program: The Application of Watershed Scale Models for Integrated Water Quality and Coastal Resources Management (#123) (GWP ToolBox)
5) Building a catchment Information Exchange Program (CIEP), Australia Case # 26