Abstract: Traditionally, there are many differences between international rivers and inland rivers in management pattern, policy and law. But the management of these two kinds of rivers is applicable to either a way according to the entirety of river ecosystem. So the successful experience of international rivers management can be used by utilizers of inland rivers for reference. We consider the legislation pattern of drainage area management, the status of drainage area management institution and how to harmonize different interests in drainage area. It is the key to the sustainable development of drainage area that interests in drainage area is harmonized by the drainage area management institution.

Key words: international rivers, drainage area management, interests harmony