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SUSTAINABLE USE OF FRESHWATER RESOURCES:
CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Walter Rast, Director, Aquatic Station, Department of Biology,
Texas State University, Marcos, Texas 78666 USA

INTRODUCTION

The concept of sustainable development marks a fundamental change in how we view the
relation between the economic growth and development that we desire and the natural
resources that we need to fuel it. Economic development, as a means of improving
human well-being and living standards is a goal of virtually all governments. Further,
experience indicates that some basic level of economic development is essential to
fostering environmental concern. Although many tribal societies live in relative harmony
with nature in their subsistence cultures, the very poor in many areas must do what is
necessary to survive, without the option of being able to worry about the environmental
consequences of their actions. Only when our basic survival needs are met can we
readily expand our horizons to consider the state of the world around us.

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