"This title collects the work of thirty top scholars, from client scientists to policy advocates to hydrogeologists, who have published articles for the independent news site The Conversation on critical water related issues, and packages them into the perfect introduction for readers who want to understand current and future threats to water management"--
AbstractBilateral governance of transboundary water resources between the United States and Mexico is in flux today. Historically, the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), the joint commission by which the two countries jointly manage shared rivers, has dominated decision making and policy in the border region by defining problems and framing knowledge. However, over the past two decades, a transnational network has been emerging to restore the Colorado River Delta. In this paper, we explore how a transnational network has been operating collaboratively to shift transboundary water governance in the Colorado River Delta region toward greater participatory, science‐based governance. We explore the IBWC in this context of governance change to reveal the adoption of institutional and policy reforms, along with some resistance to this change.
This article traces five historical streams of water policy in the United States, revealing the strain & stresses of intergovernmental relations pertaining to water resource management. It finds that water policy is increasingly characterized by pragmatic federalism emphasizing collaborative partnerships, adaptable management strategies, & problem & process orientation. The evolving nature of federal-state relations, characterized by expanding federal authorities & increased state capacity, coupled with a rise of local watershed groups & greater ecological concern, calls for improved coordination. Yet challenges resulting from policy fragmentation & ecosystem complexity remain. Continued calls for greater integration will likely be heard as federal-state relations continue to evolve. Adapted from the source document.
Increased international attention to water resource management has resulted in the creation of new institutional arrangements and environmental funding mechanisms. The Global Environment Facility's (GEF) International Waters Program is at the heart of these new collaborative regional approaches to the management of transboundary resources. This article assesses the GEF-led efforts in the Danube River and Black Sea region, the GEF's most mature and ambitious projects to date. It finds that the GEF has been successful in building scientific knowledge and strengthening regional governance institutions in the region. However, challenges remain, including the incorporation of stake-holder participation and the demonstration of clear ecological improvements.
Increased international attention to water resource management and integration has resulted in the creation of new institutional arrangements and environmental funding mechanisms. The Global Environmental Facility's (GEF) International Waters Program is at the heart of such novel collaborative approaches to managing transboundary resources. This paper assesses GEF-led efforts in twenty-three projects across ten geographic regions. It finds that the GEF has been successful in building scientific knowledge and creating linkages across social, economic and environmental issues. However, challenges of enhancing the contractual environment and building national capacity remain. While GEF efforts thus far do indicate that institutions can affect the growth of knowledge and cooperation around transboundary waters, long-lasting achievements of the GEF's International Waters Program have yet to be realized.
Increased international attention to water resource management & integration has resulted in the creation of new institutional arrangements & environmental funding mechanisms. The Global Environmental Facility's (GEF) International Waters Program is at the heart of such novel collaborative approaches to managing transboundary resources. This paper assesses GEF-led efforts in 23 projects across 10 geographic regions. It finds that the GEF has been successful in building scientific knowledge & creating linkages across social, economic, & environmental issues. However, challenges of enhancing the contractual environment & building national capacity remain. While GEF efforts thus far do indicate that institutions can affect the growth of knowledge & cooperation around transboundary waters, long-lasting achievements of the GEF's International Waters Program have yet to be realized. 5 Tables, 94 References. Adapted from the source document.