Qinhuai river in Nanjing, China, has suffered pollution since the late 1970s. To solve the problem, Nanjing Municipality conducted two river control projects. The first one in 2002 ended up a failure, and the second one in 2012 also faced various hinders. The aim of the thesis is to examine the sustainability of the river control launched in 2012, and to contribute with some suggestions for improvement. In this thesis, the author used methods of interview and literature review to gain the empirical data of the river control, used method of stakeholder analysis to analyze the data with the lens of sustainable development, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and externalities. After the analysis, the river control is considered unsustainable. The conclusion is that the pollution mainly originates from wasted domestic water. And the river control launched in 2012 is not sustainable as it lacks long-term perspective, social participation, gender awareness and solutions to mitigate the externalities. The emphasis is that, as the enabler, regulator and provision offer, Nanjing Municipality needs to raise social participation and internalize the environmental externalities to reach sustainable management of the Qinhuai river.

Esta Tese analisa os condicionantes, os limites e as possibilidades postos à efetivação de uma gestão efetivamente integrada em bacias hidrográficas de dupla dominialidade, contextualizando tais questões ao modelo de gestão em implantação no Brasil a partir do início da década de 90. O trabalho está focado na gestão das águas da bacia do Rio Paraíba do Sul, analisando o processo histórico de construção do sistema e seus impactos nas estratégias de convivência entre os dois diferentes organismos atuantes no trecho paulista da bacia: o Comitê da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Paraíba do Sul (CBH-PS), responsável especificamente pela gestão no trecho paulista da bacia; e o Comitê para a Integração da Bacia do Rio Paraíba do Sul (CEIVAP), com jurisdição sobre a totalidade da bacia. O marco conceitual deste estudo apóia-se, principalmente, nas contribuições de autores situados no campo reconhecido como neoinstitucionalista. Promoveu-se um minucioso resgate do processo de implantação das diferentes “instituições políticas" relacionadas à gestão das águas da bacia, contextualizando assim o “processo político" de convivência entre os dois modelos de gestão retratados, abrindo-se dessa maneira perspectivas mais amplas para a análise dos conteúdos e dos impactos decorrentes dessas políticas. Para o adequado desenvolvimento deste estudo foi realizado o acompanhamento – tanto documental, quanto presencial - das atividades de ambos os Comitês. A pesquisa está também apoiada em entrevistas com um amplo conjunto de informantes centrais. O relato do histórico da gestão no trecho analisado foi organizado em cinco períodos, retratando movimentos de conflito e cooperação entre os atores. Apesar dos diversos desafios ainda a serem enfrentados rumo à integração, os dados coletados apontam para um gradual avanço na maturidade do sistema de gestão de recursos hídricos, com perspectivas positivas rumo à implantação de ações coordenadas e cooperativas na bacia. Esse movimento também explicita a dimensão temporal como um importante fator a ser considerado no processo de mudança institucional. / This study examines the possibilities and the restraints of the estabilishent an effective Integrated Water Resource Management System in the Paraiba do Sul River Basin in the context of the new Brasilian water management policy started in the 1990s. The research focused on the institutional an jurisdictional complexity of this management, particularly in the São Paulo State section. This study analyzes those institutional frameworks, their articulations and overlaps, and the outcomes on sustainable water use. The research was based on documental analysis and interviews. The management history report of the analyzed section was organized into 5 moments, depicting points of contention and cooperation among the ones involved. The gathered data point to a gradual improvement in the evolution of Integrated Water Resource Management System with positive perspectives towards the implementation of coordenated and cooperative actions in the Basin.

This thesis improves the understanding of adaptive water governance in the policy process, and draws lessons of policy relevance for flood management. Scholars using the concept of adaptive water governance posit that factors influencing the governing activities of social actors are of critical importance to improve society’s capacity to better respond to the on-going water crisis. They developed a set of principles for adaptive water governance, in particular the need for polycentric forms of governance, where power over decision-making is not held by a single social actor but distributed across society, and the use of participatory processes, promoting collective action and enhancing collective reflection. Empirical evidence on the validity of these principles remains sparse, in particular in public policy processes.The thesis uses established research on the policy process to better conceptualise the governance of complex water problems. It examines empirically the emergence of integrated, ecosystem-based flood management in Scotland, a typical Western democracy though characterised by an interesting history of institutional design and flood policy dynamics. First, factors influencing the formulation and integration of the approach in national environmental policies are identified, drawing on an inductive, thematic and historical analysis of documents and interviews with key policy actors. Second, factors influencing the implementation of the approach, in particular the role of policy instruments and public participation, are then identified in the Eddleston and Bowmont-Glen catchments. A combination of documentary analysis, interviews with local actors, and Q Methodology are used. The thesis supports the general principle that polycentric governance can improve the adaptability of governance systems. Horizontally, multiple actors with decision-making power may encourage greater reflexivity in the policy process. Having multiple policy regimes may also foster innovative interventions. Vertically, significant autonomy between governance levels may help better adapt policies to the appropriate scale of intervention. The devolution of legislative powers from the British to the Scottish level is presented as an example. At a more local level, providing greater autonomy to implementers can enhance their capacity to enforce policies. The thesis also provides evidence for critics of polycentric governance. In particular, polycentric governance may result in a lack of coherence between policy regimes, heterogeneous implementation, and potentially status-quo, rather than change. The thesis supports the idea that a strong participatory approach may help overcome the limitations of polycentric governance. Findings indicate that critical factors for success are the institutional context in which it occurs, its inclusive nature, adequate resourcing, time available, and the willingness of participants to reach compromise and learn. Individual entrepreneurship is clearly fundamental to increase the adaptability of governance systems.Overall, the thesis shows that attention to the public policy process is an important analytical approach to the study of adaptive governance. Past research on the policy process provides constructive theories to explore principles of adaptive governance in an empirical context. Main policy recommendations, for Scotland and beyond, include, amongst others, a call for strong governance arrangements to accompany the work of multi-actor groups for policy integration, the use of instrument mixes across policy regimes to influence land managers, and greater support for non-governmental catchment organisations to foster local collaboration and improve policy implementation.

Esta Tese analisa os condicionantes, os limites e as possibilidades postos à efetivação de uma gestão efetivamente integrada em bacias hidrográficas de dupla dominialidade, contextualizando tais questões ao modelo de gestão em implantação no Brasil a partir do início da década de 90. O trabalho está focado na gestão das águas da bacia do Rio Paraíba do Sul, analisando o processo histórico de construção do sistema e seus impactos nas estratégias de convivência entre os dois diferentes organismos atuantes no trecho paulista da bacia: o Comitê da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Paraíba do Sul (CBH-PS), responsável especificamente pela gestão no trecho paulista da bacia; e o Comitê para a Integração da Bacia do Rio Paraíba do Sul (CEIVAP), com jurisdição sobre a totalidade da bacia. O marco conceitual deste estudo apóia-se, principalmente, nas contribuições de autores situados no campo reconhecido como neoinstitucionalista. Promoveu-se um minucioso resgate do processo de implantação das diferentes “instituições políticas” relacionadas à gestão das águas da bacia, contextualizando assim o “processo político” de convivência entre os dois modelos de gestão retratados, abrindo-se dessa maneira perspectivas mais amplas para a análise dos conteúdos e dos impactos decorrentes dessas políticas. Para o adequado desenvolvimento deste estudo foi realizado o acompanhamento – tanto documental, quanto presencial - das atividades de ambos os Comitês. A pesquisa está também apoiada em entrevistas com um amplo conjunto de informantes centrais. O relato do histórico da gestão no trecho analisado foi organizado em cinco períodos, retratando movimentos de conflito e cooperação entre os atores. Apesar dos diversos desafios ainda a serem enfrentados rumo à integração, os dados coletados apontam para um gradual avanço na maturidade do sistema de gestão de recursos hídricos, com perspectivas positivas rumo à implantação de ações coordenadas e cooperativas na bacia. Esse movimento também explicita a dimensão temporal como um importante fator a ser considerado no processo de mudança institucional. / This study examines the possibilities and the restraints of the estabilishent an effective Integrated Water Resource Management System in the Paraiba do Sul River Basin in the context of the new Brasilian water management policy started in the 1990s. The research focused on the institutional an jurisdictional complexity of this management, particularly in the São Paulo State section. This study analyzes those institutional frameworks, their articulations and overlaps, and the outcomes on sustainable water use. The research was based on documental analysis and interviews. The management history report of the analyzed section was organized into 5 moments, depicting points of contention and cooperation among the ones involved. The gathered data point to a gradual improvement in the evolution of Integrated Water Resource Management System with positive perspectives towards the implementation of coordenated and cooperative actions in the Basin.

Water is essential element for human survival but unstainable development practices and short term economic benefits are responsible for water scarcity in many areas around the world. Climate change is aggravating the risk with distribution and water availability. Agriculture is a sector highly dependent on water. The livelihood of a vast population in the world depends on not only agriculture, but also forestry, wetlands and fisheries and land use which, in turn, are strongly influenced by water based ecosystems that depend on monsoon rains. India is a global agricultural powerhouse. It is the world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices as well as the largest area under wheat, rice and cotton. But increasing water scarcity in India is affecting agricultural sector, hence affecting socio- economic conditions of poor Indian farmers. In some pockets of the country, attempts have been made during the last few decades to manage the scarce water resources more efficiently and govern them more wisely, so that agriculture as the main economic backbone of the local communities can be sustainably supported. Ralegan Siddhi is one such outstanding case where the rainwater harvested through local interventions has enabled sustainable development of the entire community. The village stands out as an oasis in the desert. The aim of the study is to understand how water has been governed in Ralegan Siddhi to enable sustainable agriculture and hence sustainable development of the community. Ultimately, the study is foreseen to help improve the farmers’ situation in water scarce areas in India and elsewhere by sharing this study report based on Ralegan Siddhi’s water governance practices with other researchers as well as concerned agencies and actors.

Magister Legum - LLM / Water scarcity is a worldwide threat. Fresh water resources are vital to human existence and survival. The challenge faced relates to the way these water resources are being distributed and managed. As an answer to this challenge, humans responded with what is commonly known as water transfers. A water transfer refers to the importation of water where water supply is low. Water transfers are, however, not a new concept as it dates back to the ancient Mesopotamians. Today, due to the global population having drastically increased, water transfers, or inter-basin transfers (IBTs) are increasingly being used as a means to minimize current water shortages.

Several authors have challenged Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) as inoperable and technocratic for the issues surrounding water resources known as contemporary water resource politics. As a result, new methods and analytical frameworks have been suggested for IWRM that have been qualified as interdisciplinary water research. Interdisciplinary water research is proposed to be context-based and focused on politics and management. Thus, principles underlying IWRM, such as public participation are gaining more attention because those principles enable sustainable water resource decisions to achieve socio-economic and ecological equity. This exploratory case study examines public participation in IWRM by looking at two villages in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Participatory activities used to incorporate villages into water resource decisions are evaluated at different levels of government up to an international river basin organization known as the Mekong River Commission (MRC). The study uses a critical Third World political ecology perspective to elucidate water resource politics surrounding low levels of participation found among IWRM institutions in Lao PDR. Findings also reveal public participation in water resource decisions is politically complex. The participation of villages in water resource development decisions was related to issues surrounding national policies such as poverty alleviation, land allocations, resettlement, and swidden agriculture. Meanwhile, other types of participation were found in which villages could maintain control over their water interests. The study concludes more research is required surrounding water resource politics to better identify more effective and genuine participation of people whose livelihoods are dependent on water resources.

Several authors have challenged Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) as inoperable and technocratic for the issues surrounding water resources known as contemporary water resource politics. As a result, new methods and analytical frameworks have been suggested for IWRM that have been qualified as interdisciplinary water research. Interdisciplinary water research is proposed to be context-based and focused on politics and management. Thus, principles underlying IWRM, such as public participation are gaining more attention because those principles enable sustainable water resource decisions to achieve socio-economic and ecological equity. This exploratory case study examines public participation in IWRM by looking at two villages in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Participatory activities used to incorporate villages into water resource decisions are evaluated at different levels of government up to an international river basin organization known as the Mekong River Commission (MRC). The study uses a critical Third World political ecology perspective to elucidate water resource politics surrounding low levels of participation found among IWRM institutions in Lao PDR. Findings also reveal public participation in water resource decisions is politically complex. The participation of villages in water resource development decisions was related to issues surrounding national policies such as poverty alleviation, land allocations, resettlement, and swidden agriculture. Meanwhile, other types of participation were found in which villages could maintain control over their water interests. The study concludes more research is required surrounding water resource politics to better identify more effective and genuine participation of people whose livelihoods are dependent on water resources.

No description available.

La Ley de Recursos Hídricos (No 29338) de 2009 transformó el marco normativo e institucional del sector hídrico en el Perú hacia un enfoque en la Gestión Integrada de Recursos Hídricos (GIRH). Este cambio fue significativo después de 40 años de vigencia de la ley anterior que priorizaba el uso agrícola del recurso hídrico. A través de un análisis del marco normativo actual y la institucionalidad existente combinado con una mirada a las relaciones históricas entre la burocracia hídrica del Estado y la sociedad peruana, este artículo argumenta que la institucionalidad del agua contemporánea refleja la persistencia de una cultura tecnocrática basada en la ingeniería y la manipulación y control de la naturaleza que predominaba al nivel global en el siglo 20. El trabajo muestra como la burocracia hídrica actual en el Perú ha consolidado su autoridad sobre el agua a través de la asimilación y desarrollo de una variante de la GIRH que prioriza el establecimiento de derechos formales al agua, el reconocimiento del valor económico del recurso hídrico, y un creciente enfoque en la eficiencia del uso del agua. / The 2009 Hydrologic Resources Law (Law 29338) shifted the legal and institutional framework in Peru’s water sector toward a focus on Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). This change formally ended the explicit prioritization of water for agricultural uses that had prevailed for four decades under the prior legal regime enacted during the nation’s agrarian reform. This article combines analysis of Peru’s current legal and institutional setting for water management with examination of the historical dynamics betweenthe state water bureaucracy and Peruvian society to argue that the existing arrangements for water governance reflect the enduring influence of an engineer-led technocracy rooted in the high-modernist approaches of the 20th century. The article illustrates how the state bureaucracy has consolidated centralized authority over the water sector through assimilation and adaptation of the IWRM paradigm and the development of a water regime that prioritizesthe formalization of water rights, recognition of the economic value of water, and water-use efficiency.