inconsistent approaches to setting reference flows and managing water permits can create conflicts as can the absence of defined flow requirements for transboundary rivers there is also the potential for allocation decisions to be taken at a state or basin level and based on state or local priorities on matters of national significance and in conflict with national priorities for instance while hydropower generation is a national priority in some basins eg sao marcos irrigated agriculture may have more value in such circumstances it is difficult to balance priorities between nationwide energy needs and regional development stakeholders in the basins may fail to see the big picture and national players may fail to consider local issues there are also the benefits of a more holistic approach to basin management which is supported by retaining greater control over management decisions at a higher level