Abstract
Guidelines produced by some major international organisations create a misleading impression that Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) can be implemented in a standardized fashion. However, contextual conditions vary from place to place, and differences in beliefs, attitudes, customs, and norms sensibly influence interpretation and implementation. Experiences with IWRM in Oregon (USA) and Ontario (Canada) are examined with regard to scope, scale, responsibility, engagement, finances and financing, and review processes and mechanisms. Development of IWRM and the evolution of governance have been shaped by different concerns and beliefs. Oregon has adopted a locally-driven and entrepreneurial approach, whereas Ontario developed a co-operative inter-governmental approach. In both cases, IWRM governance has also evolved due to changes in funding and priorities, which have benefitted some catchments and communities more than others. Both cases provide positive examples of reflexivity and resilience, and demonstrate the importance of review processes and strong cross-scale connections for effective governance. While underlying principles may be relevant for other locations, it would be a mistake to think that either of the two approaches for IWRM could be replicated elsewhere in their exact form. Implementation of IWRM in other parts of those countries and the world should, therefore, start with careful analysis of the local context, and existing governance arrangements and governmentalities.
Highlights
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) has a long history that began in the early20th century
One unfortunate consequence of the globalisation of IWRM as an idea and ambition is that various major international organisations have produced guidelines, which can create a false impression that IWRM is a single, universal, and relatively straightforward approach that can be applied and transferred in a blueprint and sequential fashion
This change of focus could lead to deeper and more critical research questions and insights regarding how IWRM has emerged and evolved according to varying political, economic, social, and environmental circumstances and needs in particular places, including stakeholder preferences regarding institutional approaches and styles of decision making. We believe that this approach is more likely to produce more meaningful insights regarding the reality of IWRM when compared with the results from evaluation studies that strive to assess effectiveness according to generic measures, indicators, or criteria
Summary
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) has a long history that began in the early. Rather than attempting to identify universal “best” practices according to pre-determined performance-related criteria or guidelines, a more productive approach involves examining different meanings and interpretations of IWRM in varied spatial and temporal contexts This change of focus could lead to deeper and more critical research questions and insights regarding how IWRM has emerged and evolved according to varying political, economic, social, and environmental circumstances and needs in particular places, including stakeholder preferences regarding institutional approaches and styles of decision making (i.e., different governmentalities). We believe that this approach is more likely to produce more meaningful insights regarding the reality of IWRM when compared with the results from evaluation studies that strive to assess effectiveness according to generic measures, indicators, or criteria. While the GWP definition refers to a single process, various governance and management processes and procedures (e.g., stakeholder engagement) are likely to be involved in the development and implementation of IWRM policy
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