Water Governance Research Articles

Principles, barriers, and challenges of Indigenous water governance around the world

Principles, barriers, and challenges of Indigenous water governance around the world

Identifying socio-ecological dynamics in water systems through adaptive cycles

Investigating the dynamics of water systems is challenging but essential for identifying weaknesses and strengths that enhance adaptation and transformation, contributing to governance. We propose integrating approaches to the adaptive cycle framework to understand socio-ecological dynamics, system interactions, and variables that impact a water system as a reservoir in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Key findings include the identification of non-linearity in the socio-ecological dynamics and the simultaneous use of adaptation and transformation mechanisms to prevent water collapse. We also emphasize the role of institutions in creating resilience, which can steer the system toward desired or undesired regimes. Additionally, understanding relationships among systems at various planning levels and their variables is crucial, as they can influence water systems fast or slowly. The outcomes show the importance of considering a reservoir at the local planning level within a river basin, state, and nation. This consideration helps improve water governance and policymaking.

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To expedite the deployment of Sesuvium portulacastrum floating bed technology in Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River Estuary, and to overcome the cryogenic constraint, our study concentrated on investigating the impacts of both individual and combined stress factors, particularly low temperature and salinity, on its application. We detected the S. portulacastrum related enzyme activity and other biological macromolecules under low temperature stress, salt stress and combined stress. And we also analyzed the stress resistance mechanism under different stress conditions by transcriptomic technology. It was discovered that moderate salt stress could enhance plant tolerance to low temperature, indicating the presence of an antagonistic relationship between salinity and low temperature. The biological mechanism underlying this phenomenon lies in the fact that combined stresses induce the up-regulation of various genes and activate more pathways compared to single stress. Among these pathways, the linoleic acid metabolic pathway stands out as unique to combined stress conditions. This research represents the inaugural endeavor to investigate the impact of low temperature stress and combined stress on S.portulacastrum, offering a pivotal reference for the utilization of this plant in ecological restoration and management within the East China Sea. More valuable is that such conclusions may be extended to the coastal ecological governance of many high latitude countries, which is of great significance for global ecological environment improvement.

Transboundary water governance challenges in the Mahakali River basin: a view from Nepal and way forward

ABSTRACT The Mahakali River, a key tributary of the Ganges, is shared by Nepal and India. The 1996 Mahakali Treaty aimed to promote cooperation, but after almost three decades, effective transboundary governance has remained limited. This study examines governance attributes like rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness through interviews, legal reviews, and secondary sources. It identifies inadequate implementation of these principles, influenced by politically driven, nation-centred approaches. The study critiques the treaty’s inequities and proposes a collaborative basin water policy framework. These findings provide insights for improving water governance and sustaining the Mahakali and other transboundary rivers.

Assessing the value of third parties in transboundary water governance: a constructivist institutionalism perspective on the Incomati River Basin

ABSTRACT This paper examines the role of third parties in shaping transboundary water governance in the Incomati River Basin, focusing on the Southern African Development Community, the World Bank, China, and Brazil. The analysis explores how these actors shape power dynamics, foster cooperation, and balance regional interests with local needs. Using Constructivist Institutionalism, the paper reveals how prioritizing shared goals over individual interests fosters effective cooperation. The findings underscore the dual nature of third-party involvement; balancing power while advancing their own agendas, and demonstrate how these actors’ help states navigate complex challenges, bridge gaps and facilitate cooperation in the river basin.

Community case study: an academia-industry-government partnership that monitors and predicts outbreaks in Tri-County Detroit area since 2017

The Tri-County Detroit Area (TCDA) is the 12th most populous metropolitan area in the United States with over three million people. Multiple communicable diseases are endemic in the TCDA. In 2017, to explore innovative methods that may provide early warnings of outbreaks affecting populations in the TCDA, an exploratory partnership that was funded by a U.S. National Science Foundation Early-concept Grant for Exploratory Research (EAGER) began. Since 2017, a project team including the College of Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), the City of Detroit, the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), industry, and local government and health departments, has been testing municipal wastewater from the TCDA to survey and predict surges in communicable diseases in the area. This ongoing effort started years before wastewater-based epidemiology became a widespread method in public health practice, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The work of the partnership led to significant breakthroughs in the field of wastewater surveillance/wastewater epidemiology. The results of our surveillance efforts are used to assist local health departments in their understanding and response efforts for health issues in the TCDA, facilitating public health messaging for local awareness, targeted clinical testing, and increased vaccination efforts. Our data are available to the local health departments, and our methodological advancements are published and have been used by other communities nationwide and beyond. This paper describes the partnership, lessons learned, significant achievements, and provides a look into the future. The successful implementations and advancements of wastewater surveillance in the TCDA advocate the importance of frequent communications and interactions within the partnership, idea generations from each stakeholder for decision-making, maintenance of scientific rigor, ethical awareness, and more.

Geospatial Assessment of Stormwater Harvesting Potential in Uganda’s Cattle Corridor

Freshwater scarcity remains a pressing global issue, exacerbated by inefficiencies in stormwater management during rainy seasons. Strategic stormwater harvesting offers a sustainable solution through runoff utilization for irrigation and livestock support. However, challenges such as limited farmer knowledge, difficult terrain, financial constraints, unpredictable weather, and scarce meteorological data hinder the accuracy of optimum stormwater harvesting sites. This study employs a GIS-based SCS-CN hydrological approach to address these issues, identifying suitable stormwater harvesting locations, estimating runoff volumes, and recommending site-specific storage structures. Using spatial datasets of daily rainfall (20 years), land use/land cover (LULC), digital elevation models (DEM), and soil data, the study evaluated 80 watersheds in Uganda’s cattle corridor. Annual runoff estimates within watersheds ranged from 62 million to 557 million m3, with 56 watersheds (70%) identified for multiple interventions such as farm ponds, check dams, and gully plugs. These structures are designed to enhance stormwater harvesting and utilization, improving water availability for livestock and crop production in a region characterized by water scarcity and erratic rainfall. The findings provide practical solutions for sustainable water management in drought-prone areas with limited meteorological data. This approach can be scaled to similar regions to enhance resilience in water-scarce landscapes. By offering actionable insights, this research supports farmers and water authorities in effectively allocating stormwater resources and implementing tailored harvesting strategies to bolster agriculture and livestock production in Uganda’s cattle corridor.

Untapping the potential of Indigenous water jurisdiction: perspectives from Whanganui and Aotearoa New Zealand

Indigenous peoples have maintained sustainable, longstanding relationships with water and have valuable knowledge to contribute to water management. Still, legal and policy frameworks routinely include only tokenistic acknowledgements of Indigenous water ‘values’, while ongoing injustices related to the allocation and governance of water resources remain unresolved. Those concerned about the recognition of Indigenous water rights and relationships often point to the case of Aotearoa New Zealand, and specifically the Treaty of Waitangi settlement legislation recognising the Whanganui River as a ‘legal person’, as a replicable model for improved water governance and Indigenous water rights. In this article we use a sociolegal method to draw out globally relevant lessons from the groundbreaking Whanganui River model about the potential for Western or settler-state law to support and uphold Indigenous rights and relationships in water. Our analysis confirms that enabling Indigenous water jurisdiction could hold the key to more sustainable and equitable futures, but it requires a long-term commitment from states and local communities to relationship brokering, power sharing, and trust building with Indigenous peoples.

Rethinking Indigenous Community-Led Water Sustainability: Decolonial and Relational Approaches in Western Canada

This study examines Indigenous community-led water sustainability in Western Canada through relational and decolonial lenses, addressing the interplay between traditional knowledge, environmental governance, and cultural identity. The relational and decolonial frameworks emphasize water as a living entity integral to environmental sustainability and community well-being, contrasting with extractive Western models that prioritize economic gains. Using a community-led collaborative methodology, the research engaged Elders, Knowledge-keepers, and youth in discussions and land-based activities, reinforcing intergenerational knowledge transfer. The findings showcase critical challenges to Indigenous water governance, including industrial encroachments, climate change, and colonial environmental management systems that marginalize Indigenous perspectives. These human-created challenges threaten Indigenous water quality and disrupt Indigenous sustainable governance, underlining the need for alternative, adaptive frameworks. Despite these challenges, Indigenous communities are reclaiming water sustainability through initiatives that implement traditional knowledge, cultural revitalization, and collaborative governance models. Such efforts emphasize respect, reciprocity, and stewardship, promoting long-term environmental sustainability.

Assessing Water Governance Trends and Challenges at a Local Level—An Application of the OECD Water Governance Framework in Soc Trang Province, Vietnam

Assessing Water Governance Trends and Challenges at a Local Level—An Application of the OECD Water Governance Framework in Soc Trang Province, Vietnam

Megaproject responsible innovation: Concept, framework, and governance

Abstract The reliability and sustainability of innovation in megaprojects are of critical importance with complex stakeholders and substantial resource investments. In that respect, responsible innovation management is the key to the sustainable development of megaprojects. This paper proposes the concept of megaproject responsible innovation (MRI) and develops a holistic framework for MRI with four dimensions: (1) anticipation across the megaproject life cycle, (2) inclusion of various parties in a relationship of symbiosis, competition, and cooperation, (3) reflexivity of social responsibility, and (4) responsiveness to social expectations. Based on an ecosystem approach to megaproject innovation, we propose an ecological governance strategy for MIR. Moreover, different approaches are needed in innovation organizations which are part of specific ecological niches for effective and efficient governance.

A Comparative Study of the Development of Ecologically Civilized Cities between China and Germany

Through a comparative analysis of the practices and experiences in constructing ecologically civilized cities between China and Germany, this study aims to discuss the similarities and differences in terms of theoretical foundations, realistic challenge, response strategies, development trends and implementation proposals between the two countries. Using the comparative study method, this study focuses on the similarities and differences in the development of ecologically civilized cities between China and Germany. It is found that Germany demonstrates significant strengths in legislative support, technological innovation and public participation, while China stands out in policy facilitation, the speed of infrastructure development and the construction of green financial system. The successful experiences of the two countries in building ecologically civilized cities provide valuable insights for other countries and regions. In the future, China and Germany should continue to strengthen cooperation, share wisdom in ecological governance, jointly cope with global environmental challenges and push forward the construction of the community with a shared future.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Interactive Tool for Water Governance in Transboundary Basins: A Participation-Based Approach and Visualization of Water Security from a Vulnerability Perspective

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Interactive Tool for Water Governance in Transboundary Basins: A Participation-Based Approach and Visualization of Water Security from a Vulnerability Perspective

Ecological Management Zoning Identification by Coupling Blue-Green and Gray Infrastructure Networks: A Case Study of Guizhou Province, China

Ecological management zoning is crucial for maintaining regional ecological security and realizing differentiated urban ecological governance. However, the existing zoning methods are overly focused on ecological functional attributes and fail to adequately consider the impacts of human activities, resulting in an insufficiently rational allocation of resources. Taking Guizhou Province as an example, using multi-source data and spatial analysis tools, this study proposed an ecological management zoning framework based on the coupling analysis of the blue-green infrastructure (BGI) network and gray infrastructure (GI) network. The results indicated that (1) the BGI network in the study area included 179 sources, with a total area of 54,228.80 km2, and 232 corridors. (2) There were 53 sources in the GI network, totaling 709.19 km2, and the corridors of the first, second, and third levels were 11,469.31 km, 6703.54 km, and 5341.30 km, respectively. (3) There were 606 barrier points identified, mainly distributed in the central part of the study area, and the total area of the disturbance zone was 1132.50 km2, which had the largest distribution in Qiandongnan, followed by Qiannan. (4) At the county scale, five ecological management zones were identified in the study area based on four indicators, namely, the source area ratio of BGI network, corridor density of BGI network disturbance zone area ratio, and density of barrier point. Then, we proposed targeted optimizations and restorations for each zone. This study organically linked ecological functional attributes and anthropogenic impacts to identify ecological management zones, which will provide new perspectives on synergies between ecological protection and economic development.

Proposing a digital twin-based sustainable water governance system for rural Indian villages

Proposing a digital twin-based sustainable water governance system for rural Indian villages

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Regulatory Frameworks for Transitioning to Net-Zero Energy Buildings in a Tropical Desert Climate

Domestic electricity consumption in the Kingdom of Bahrain accounts for 48% of total national electricity consumption, increasing between 1.5 and 3.5% annually. This increase is due to indoor cooling electricity accounting for up to 80% of domestic electricity consumption. The Kingdom is aiming for a reduction in carbon emissions of 30% by 2035 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Hence, reducing electricity consumption is necessary. Recently, the Kingdom’s Electricity and Water Authority has issued updated building regulations regarding the maximum thermal transmittance allowed for residential buildings. This study employed a quantitative simulation of a typical housing unit (T8) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, assessing building envelope materials and air conditioning efficacy following the updated building regulations via DesignBuilder V. 7.0.2.006 software. Additionally, this study examined the potential of building regulations to facilitate the transition to net-zero energy buildings by comparing electricity consumption with renewable energy generated from rooftop photovoltaic panels. It was determined that electricity consumption could be reduced by up to 52% by following building regulations and relying on current materials in the residential sector. Furthermore, this reduction may facilitate the Kingdom’s attainment of net-zero energy status through onsite power generation of 12,500 kWh/year. This study concluded that achieving net-zero energy status is possible by following building regulations and relying on commercially accessible construction materials; however, guidelines for energy storage or a feed-in tariff for the residential sector must be established.

Sustainable Practices in DEWA Network

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is considered as a benchmark for other utilities due to its sustainable initiatives, where it addresses Dubai's increasing energy and water demands through innovative and environmentally-oriented practices. This paper discusses DEWA’s advancements in renewable energy integration, smart grid technologies, and sustainable infrastructure, highlighting the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the Hatta Hydroelectric Power Plant as its major initiatives. Furthermore, DEWA's efforts in water management, green building design, and community engagement also serve as examples to its commitment to sustainability. With notable achievements in energy production efficiency, significant reductions in carbon emissions, and enhanced energy management systems, DEWA greatly contributes to Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050.

Modified water balance model for groundwater recharge estimations using cloud integration

Groundwater recharge is an essential element of enhancing global water governance. This is conspicuous over areas like West Bengal, India, which face natural and manmade water resource challenges. This particular study aims at improving the estimation of groundwater recharge using the Modified Water Balance Model (MWBM), which has been integrated with Google Earth Engine (GEE) and high-resolution remote sensing data here in application for groundwater. The method used consists of MODIS land surface temperature and CHIRPS precipitation data efficiently maps groundwater recharge estimation for various districts of West Bengal. The MWBM utilizes the geospatial analytic capabilities of GEE and above calculations in MWBM in creating recharge estimations that are geographically referenced. The majority of the results showed significant differences in the spatial recharge characteristics of the aquifers across the study region. High recharge was found in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri district because of the high rainfall but low and constant recharge potential in Bankura and Purba Bardhaman districts due to less permeable rock layers. Within MWBM, improvements in groundwater management include the use of remote sensing techniques as well as modernization of computational processes to enhance recharge estimates. The present study not only aims at improving the accuracy of recharge estimation methods but also suggests a workable approach in the context of water resource management plans.

Against eco-authoritarianism and ecomodernism: Towards a critique of ‘planetary’ governmentality and fantasies of steering

Contemporary society is dominated by the reality of the Anthropocene ecological crisis. In a certain subset of the ecopolitical literature, however, this topic is framed as a problem of governance. Supposedly, the unintended consequences of numerous micro-level human actions can be addressed by macro-level government interventions. Such discourses of eco-governmentality are informed by an emphasis upon the ‘planetary’ and the desirability of political centralisation. Our article seeks to critically engage with both the notion of a supposedly ‘planetary’ community of interests, and also reject the idea of global eco-governmentality. In our view, not only does the misguided emphasis on global ecological governance oversimply the planetary predicament, obscuring differences between cultures and social power structures; but it also runs the risk of obviating local democracy and could also lead to an ecologically legitimated undemocratic global technocracy. Instead of centralisation, further decentralisation could be key to both thinking and acting ‘glocally’, without expecting too much from political systems. We make the case against eco-authoritarianism and also reject ecomodernism. Recent critiques relating to the pitfalls of ecomodernism can help us construct a more inclusive, bottom-up form of ecopolitics.

Role of Local Water Institutions in Water Resources Management in Sanya-Kware Sub-catchment of the Pangani Basin, Tanzania

This study investigates the role of local water institutions in water resource management in the Sanya-Kware sub-catchment of the Pangani River Basin, Tanzania. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a sample of 96 traditional furrow committee members representing 20 villages across highland, midland, and lowland zones. The research examines the contributions and limitations of traditional furrow committees and their interactions with newly established Water User Associations (WUAs). Results reveal that traditional institutions, deeply rooted in cultural norms, provide effective localized solutions for water allocation and conflict resolution. However, they face challenges such as limited adherence to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles, lack of legal enforcement, and insufficient capacity for financial and administrative management. Overlapping roles between traditional and formal institutions often lead to conflicts, especially during periods of water scarcity. Despite these challenges, traditional furrow committees remain resilient, effectively managing water resources through collective action and culturally embedded practices. Large-scale irrigators and other stakeholders who engaged with these traditional systems reported better outcomes in water sharing and conflict resolution. The findings highlight the need for a balanced governance framework that integrates the strengths of traditional institutions with formal mechanisms to enhance water resource management. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of capacity-building, legal recognition, and structured collaboration to ensure equitable and sustainable water governance in sub-catchment areas.