This paper provides an introduction to, and an overview of, the Special Issue on the application of systems approach to the management of complex water systems. The main motivation in proposing this Special Issue was that today, more than ever, we need a systems approach to assist in dealing with the difficulties introduced by the increase in the complexity of water resource problems, consideration of environmental impacts, and the introduction of the principles of sustainability. This issue offers an opportunity to review applications of the systems approach to water resource management and draw lessons from worldwide experience relevant to future water problems. The Special Issue includes 15 contributions that offer an interesting view into contemporary problems, approaches, and issues related to management of complex water resources systems. It will be presumptuous to say that these 15 contributions characterize the success or failure of the systems approach to support water resources decision-making. However, these contributions offer some interesting lessons from the current experience and trace possible future work directions.

中文翻译：

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系统方法在复杂水系统管理中的应用

本文介绍并概述了关于将系统方法应用于复杂水系统管理的特刊。提出本期特刊的主要动机是，今天，我们比以往任何时候都更需要一种系统方法来协助处理因水资源问题复杂性增加、考虑环境影响以及引入可持续性原则。本期提供了一个机会，可以回顾系统方法在水资源管理中的应用，并从与未来水问题相关的全球经验中汲取经验教训。特刊包括 15 篇文章，它们提供了对与复杂水资源系统管理相关的当代问题、方法和问题的有趣观点。如果说这 15 项贡献代表了支持水资源决策的系统方法的成功或失败，那将是冒昧的。然而，这些贡献从当前的经验中提供了一些有趣的教训，并追踪了未来可能的工作方向。