Water Governance in
Context
The project investigates the complexities and dynamic aspects of water
regulatory systems in Indonesia, Vanuatu, Thailand, Vietnam and the Mekong
region (as a transboundary case study). The Australian experience also
features in research to identify lessons learned and implications for
overseas development assistance. Five key themes are addressed, and these
both inform, and are informed by, overarching issues that cut across all
themes and case studies.
1. Drivers for change in water regulatory systems
This theme investigates governance and reform, looking at reasons for
change such as unsustainability of water regulation and water scarcity.
The focus is on contextual drivers for change, looking at environmental
and climatic imperatives, infrastructure (eg storages, diversions and
technologies), supply and demand, wider aspects of political and economic
reform, social change and ideological influences.
2. Catchment management frameworks and issues of scale
This theme investigates frameworks for catchment management within ecosystems
and ecological boundaries in each case, looking at relations between different
scales of management. It looks specifically at linkages - or lack thereof
- between local level management of small catchments and wider river basin
management frameworks.
3. Public/private roles and initiatives
Analysis of public/private roles moves beyond a narrow assessment of privatisation
and investigates state, private and community sector roles in water management
and water service provision. It builds on work done by WaterAid and others,
applying analyses to case studies in the Asia-Pacific region. Regulation
is considered as both a bureaucratic and social process. The appropriateness
of public/private roles and responsibilities in different contexts is
addressed.
4. Equity implications of market and property rights mechanisms: gender,
poverty and indigenous dimensions
This is a key theme in assessing development assistance programs from
an equity perspective. This involves more in-depth case study at a local
level. Gender, poverty and indigenous dimensions of water regulation are
addressed with specific reference to the enhanced roles of markets and
changing property regimes. 'Pro-poor' interventions and the concept of
water as a human right are investigated (rights to water versus water
rights).
5. Dealing with conflict and risk
This theme identifies dimensions of actual or potential conflict. A broad
definition of conflict is adopted to encompass subtle tensions as well
as more overt confrontation. Mechanisms for peaceful, sustainable and
equitable conflict management are investigated, as are the economic and
environmental processes relevant to risk at different scales. An assessment
is made of risk management and outcomes for different groups, with an
emphasis on adaptive frameworks.
Duration: 2004 - 2005
Partners:
Funding bodies: Australian Water Research Facility (AusAID)
© 2005 Australian Mekong Resource Centre |
