Water Governance and Policy: A Comparative Study of Global Regulatory Frameworks
Keywords:
Environmental Conservation, Water Governance, Clean Water Act (USA)Abstract
Water governance plays a critical role in ensuring equitable and sustainable water management worldwide. Different nations adopt diverse regulatory frameworks to address challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, climate change impacts, and transboundary water conflicts. Effective governance requires a balance between economic development, environmental conservation, and social equity, making it a complex and dynamic field.
This review explores water governance policies in various regions, comparing legal structures, institutional mechanisms, and stakeholder participation approaches. It examines successful models, challenges, and emerging trends, highlighting the role of integrated water resource management (IWRM), public-private partnerships (PPPs), and digital innovations in shaping future governance strategies. Additionally, the study evaluates the impact of global treaties and agreements, such as the EU Water Framework Directive, the Clean Water Act (USA), and transboundary water-sharing treaties, on national and regional governance structures.
Recent advancements in water governance include the integration of big data, blockchain-based water trading, and smart water management systems that enhance efficiency and transparency. Furthermore, climate-resilient governance frameworks are becoming essential in addressing extreme weather events and fluctuating water availability.
By analyzing best practices from developed and developing countries, this review underscores the need for adaptive, transparent, and inclusive water policies. Strong institutional coordination, stakeholder engagement, and policy coherence will be crucial in achieving long-term water security, ensuring equitable distribution, and fostering sustainable development on a global scale.
References
Rogers P, Hall AW. Effective water governance. Stockholm: Global water partnership; 2003 Feb.
Wwap U. World water assessment programme: the United Nations world water development report 4: managing water under uncertainty and risk.
Lode E, Vainu M, Ilomets M, Truus L, Pajula R, Ratas U, Rivis R, Kapanen G. Estonian Wetlands and the Water Framework Directive. Water Resources Quality and Management in Baltic Sea Countries. 2020:299-321.
Gleick PH. Water in crisis. New York: Oxford University Press; 1993.
Bauer CJ. Siren song: Chilean water law as a model for international reform. Routledge; 2010 Sep 30.
Akhmouch A. Water governance in Latin America and the Caribbean: A multi-level approach. Paris: OECD Publishing; 2012.
Horne J. Water security in Australia. Global water security: Lessons learnt and long-term implications. 2018:21-52.
Biswas AK. Integrated water resources management. Tortajada C, editor. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group; 2016.
Hoekstra AY, Mekonnen MM. The water footprint of humanity. Proceedings of the national academy of sciences. 2012 Feb 28;109(9):3232-7.
Zeitoun M, Mirumachi N. Transboundary water interaction I: Reconsidering conflict and cooperation. International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics. 2008 Dec;8:297-316.
Rosso R. The Governance of Water. InFive Easy Pieces on Water: Essentials of Water Science explained by an Engineering Scholar 2024 Nov 24 (pp. 125-157). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Savenije HH, Van der Zaag P. Integrated water resources management: Concepts and issues. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C. 2008 Jan 1;33(5):290-7.
Akhmouch A. Water governance in OECD countries: a multi-level approach.
Gleick PH. Transitions to freshwater sustainability. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2018 Sep 4;115(36):8863-71.
