**7. Outlook**

The developed method (Planning and Decision Support Tools) allows for a layered, problem orientated and efficient examination of entire river basins, initially using a systematic overview examination (scale approx. 1 : 300.000) in order to establish Water Management Units (WMUs) with higher problem intensity and prioritized need for IWRM measures ("hot spots"). The next step should be the development of methods to examine these previously prioritized WMUs in more depth (scale approx. 1 : 50.000), in order to ascertain the types, extensions and locations for necessary IWRM measures.

This results in a systematic approach, rendering possible a labor efficient, targeted and cost efficient process especially for countries, such as Vietnam, which are only just starting to set up an IWRM.

The next step will be to develop methods for the closer examination of WMUs with higher need for IWRM measures on WMU planning level (planning level 4, cf. fig. 2) and to recommend practical local measures on the local planning level (planning level 5, cf. fig. 2). The inclusion of the population and the various participating stakeholders (authorities and institutions) in the planning and decision making process is a vital principle in this context.

Overall this is a holistic approach for planning and decision support for IWRM. This corresponds to the demands on Integrated Water Resources Management as formulated, for example, by the Asian Development Bank (ADB, 2006).
