The book addresses the complex and evolving challenges posed by water resource management in the 21st century. It compiles insights from a seminar focused on new water policies, examining the critical issues that nations and communities face in ensuring sustainable and equitable access to water in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The collection of papers from the 2002 Valencia seminar likely offers a comprehensive overview of the pressing water policy issues at the turn of the millennium. The focus on the 'XXI century' suggests a forward-looking perspective, aiming to equip policymakers and researchers with an understanding of the multifaceted challenges ahead. The compilation probably highlights the interconnectedness of water management with environmental, economic, and social factors, underscoring the need for integrated and adaptive policy approaches.