Importance of Water Governance Frameworks

Water governance operates at multiple levels (local, national and global) and involves various stakeholders making and influencing decisions about water management. It’s not only about what decisions are made, but how they're made, reflecting political realities and competing interests. Country level governance examples would be the United States and the European Union. In the US, federal, state, and local governments all play a role. Western states use state agencies to manage water allocation, policy planning, and environmental protection. In the EU, governance is more integrated and operates across international, national, and local levels, with an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. At the watershed level, the Mekong River Basin involves countries like China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Governance is complex due to different national priorities, such as dam construction upstream affecting agriculture downstream.

Several governance models and frameworks illustrate how water is managed in real-world contexts. River Basin Management is a common method, requiring collaboration. Water Tenure Systems establish water rights and legal frameworks but often lack mechanisms for equitable management. The FAO’s Voluntary Guidelines aim to improve food security through responsible governance. The OECD Water Governance Programme provides global guidance, offering principles for inclusive and effective governance, encouraging shared responsibilities and regular policy evaluations.

Non-OECD countries face unique water governance challenges tied to access, environmental pressures, and economic constraints. Many people in non-OECD countries lack basic services. Poor management leads to pollution and health risks, made worse by climate change and population growth. With limited funds, these countries struggle to invest in water infrastructure. Mechanisms like the polluter pays and beneficiary pays principles are increasingly important to ensure those who harm or benefit from water systems contribute to their upkeep.

Public-private partnerships have become a key strategy to tackle global water challenges by leveraging private sector innovation and resources. Common models include Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) and Design-Build-Operate (DBO) projects, often used for desalination and wastewater treatment. In developing countries, donor-supported PPPs have successfully expanded access to services in rural and peri-urban areas.