Water Resources Management and Policy from Coursera

Water management today is faced with new challenges such as climate change or the effects of human activity. Public and private stakeholders who are active in this field must develop new ways to better manage the water cycle "as a whole".

The objective of this MOOC is to develop an understanding of the problems related to water management. Firstly, this course will define a resource and, more specifically, the resource of water. It will look at how water is used and the activities associated with it as well as any potential conflicts. The course will look at water management in detail through the analysis of the different types of rights and obligations associated with, for example, the development of a multi-sectorial regulation system or a watershed management approach.

By the end of this course, our aim is to enable you to:

1) Identify the main issues and strategies linked to water resource management

2) Acquire the key reading material needed to understand the many variables (environmental, institutional and political) which affect water and which, in terms of management, may require adjustment.

This course was developed by the Geneva Water Hub. Alongside researchers from the University of Geneva from a range of faculties, researchers from other universities and research centres will be involved in this course. Practitioners who deal daily with the political dimension of water management will also input into the course.

This MOOC is designed for all those interested in the water sector. Prior training is not necessary to follow our program. The findings presented in this course can be easily reapplied to different contexts and to different scales of analysis.

This MOOC is supported by the Geneva Water Hub and the University of Geneva along with the MOOC in « Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development » (www.coursera.org/learn/ecosystem-services) and the one in "International Water Law" (www.coursera.org/learn/droit-eau). This course is funded by the Global Programme Water Initiatives of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

This course is also available in French : www.coursera.org/learn/gestion-eau

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: From Resource Definition to the Ideals of Community Management

Welcome to this MOOC in Water Resources Management and Policy! We look forward to supporting you throughout the duration of the course. In this first module, we will define the concept of a resource. This will help you to understand the various uses and demands that are placed on water. Next, we will address the issues linked to the management of a common good such as water. Here, we will draw on the work of Elinor Ostrom. We will examine several examples of how the commodity is managed: by the state, by industry or by the community. Two cases studies of community water management in Latin America will be presented. The module is concluded by a quiz worth 20% of the final grade. You must have at least 80% of the responses correct to pass the module.

Module 2: The Rules of the Resource, their Uses and their Circumvention

Businesses that manage water are guided by property law and public policy designed to define and coordinate all the demands on the resource. This second module aims to better understand the complexity of these two bodies of law through the framework of the Institutional Resource Regime (IRR). This framework is presented and then applied to two case studies (Swiss and European) to understand the rules governing water management in these territories. Finally, we will go beyond this framework to address the implementation of these rules by looking at examples of how the law is applied and examples of localised regulation. The module is concluded by a quiz worth 20% of the final grade. You must have at least 80% of the responses correct to pass the module

Module 3: From Integrated Water Resource Management to the Water-Food-Energy and Ecosystem Nexus

Having discussed the rules governing water management and their implementation, this third module deals with the issues associated inter-sectorial water resources. It focuses on two existing concepts. Firstly, we look at the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) focusing on the coordinated management of water and any associated resources. Secondly, we look at the approach known as the Nexus Water-Energy-Food and Ecosystems. This approach is examined in light of the water users but also how they interact with other sectors. The Mekong River and the Columbia River (USA) are used as case studies to bring to life the difficulties of reconciling different uses of a river, such as hydropower, food security and the protection of ecosystems. The module is concluded by a quiz worth 20% of the final grade. You must have at least 80% of the responses correct to pass the module.

Module 4: The Integrated Watershed Management (IWM)

In this module, we further examine water management but this time we look specifically at how watersheds are managed. We see how stakeholders in Switzerland, in Europe (with the case of the Rhine) and internationally have promoted this concept as a reference for water management. These case studies allow us to identify the benefits and limitations (both practical and institutional) that are presented by the Integrated Watershed Management approach. The module is concluded by a quiz worth 20% of the final grade. You must have at least 80% of the responses correct to pass the module.

Module 5: Water as a Source of Conflict and Cooperation

We have reached the final module. Module 5 is dedicated to the issues of conflict and cooperation associated with water resources. We will present the framework of hydro-hegemony with the aim of understanding transboundary interactions. This will be illustrated with the case of the Nile River Basin. Here we examine the relationship between Egypt (as the country furthest downstream) and the other riparian countries. The various institutional mechanisms for cooperation among states will be detailed. This will include an examination of how international river basins are managed using the Senegal River Development Organisation and the Mekong River Commission as case studies. The role of international water law in cooperation forms the final part of this module. The module is concluded by a quiz worth 20% of the final grade. You must have at least 80% of the responses correct to pass the module. We hope that this course has presented you with some interesting new perspectives and has encouraged you to want to explore the field of water management further. Thank you for participating!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores interdisciplinary perspectives on water management, appropriate for professionals already in the field

Develops an understanding of both national and international water law and policy, a valuable mix for many in the field

Emphasizes the importance of communication between various stakeholders to foster cooperation and understanding around water management projects

Provides a real-world view of water management through case studies from around the world, helping learners understand the complexities of the topic beyond theoretical frameworks

Covers a broad range of topics related to water management, including water management techniques, water quality, and environmental protection

Taught by experienced professionals in the field of water management, Cristian Bréthaut and Géraldine Pflieger, who bring their expertise and practical knowledge to the course

Reviews summary

Water resources management basic concepts

According to students, basic concepts in water resource management are clearly delivered in this course. However, elaborations on integrated water management are lacking and examples are too brief.

Presents basic concepts of water resources management.

"The course clearly deliver some basic element for resource management, such as the properties of free good."

Examples are brief.

"All the examples are very brief and just talk about the difficulty faced in water management."

Elaboration on integrated water management is insufficient.

"However, there is not enough elaboration on the part of integrated water management."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Water Resources Management and Policy with these activities:

Review foundational water resource terminology

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Since this course requires a strong foundational understanding of water resource theory, this exercise will help reinforce those fundamental principles.

Browse courses on Hydrology

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Read through your notes and materials from previous water resources courses.
Complete a practice quiz or problem set covering basic concepts.
Review case studies or examples of water resources management principles in practice.

Review legal frameworks for water management

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This will strengthen your comprehension of the complexities and nuances of water management policies and regulations.

Browse courses on Environmental Law

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Reread your notes or textbooks on water law and environmental law.
Summarize key concepts and principles of water rights, water allocation, and water quality regulations.
Review recent case studies or legal decisions related to water management.

Form a study group with classmates

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Engaging with peers will foster a sense of accountability and provide diverse perspectives on course material.

Browse courses on Water Resources

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Identify classmates who share similar interests or learning goals.
Establish regular meeting times and a study schedule.
Review course material together, discuss concepts, and work on assignments collaboratively.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Attend a water resources conference or webinar

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This will provide an opportunity to connect with professionals in the field and stay abreast of current trends and best practices.

Browse courses on Water Resources

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Research upcoming water resources conferences or webinars.
Register for an event that aligns with your interests.
Attend the event and actively participate in discussions and networking opportunities.

Develop a water conservation plan for your community

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This exercise will allow you to apply your knowledge of water management principles to a practical scenario.

Browse courses on Water Conservation

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Gather data on water usage patterns and conservation opportunities in your community.
Identify and prioritize potential conservation measures.
Develop a comprehensive plan outlining the proposed measures, implementation strategies, and expected outcomes.
Present your plan to local stakeholders and decision-makers for feedback and support.

Participate in a water resources modeling workshop

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Hands-on experience with water modeling tools will enhance your understanding of water resource systems and their behavior.

Browse courses on Water Management

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Identify and register for a water resources modeling workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in exercises and discussions.
Apply the knowledge and skills gained in the workshop to your own projects or research.

Career center

Learners who complete Water Resources Management and Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Water Policy Analyst

Water Policy Analysts research and develop policies to manage water resources. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course will help build a foundation for understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Policy Analyst

Water Resources Planner

Water Resources Planners develop and implement plans to manage water resources. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course will help build a foundation for understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Planner

Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers oversee the planning, development, and management of water resources. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course will help build a foundation for understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager

Water Policy Advisor

Water Policy Advisors advise governments and other organizations on water policy. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course will help build a foundation for understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Policy Advisor

Water Resources Engineer

Water Resources Engineers are responsible for making decisions that meet the demands of a sustainable water supply. This course will help build a foundation for understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy. By completing this course, students will be able to develop strategies to address these issues and challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on the Earth's surface and in the atmosphere. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course will help build a foundation for understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Water Resources Economist

Water Resources Economists analyze the economic aspects of water resource management. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course will help build a foundation for understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Economist

Water Conservation Specialist

Water Conservation Specialists develop and implement programs to conserve water. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course will help build a foundation for understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Conservation Specialist

Water Quality Specialist

Water Quality Specialists monitor and assess the quality of water resources. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course will help build a foundation for understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Quality Specialist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research and develop solutions to environmental problems. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course will provide you with a broad understanding of the environmental issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Natural Resources Manager

Natural Resources Managers oversee the planning, development, and management of natural resources. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course will help build a foundation for understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resources Manager

Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop and implement plans to protect the environment. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful in understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

Water Distribution System Operator

Water Distribution System Operators operate and maintain water distribution systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful in understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Distribution System Operator

Land Use Planner

Land Use Planners develop and implement plans to manage land use. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful in understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Land Use Planner

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water Treatment Plant Operators operate and maintain water treatment plants. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful in understanding the complex issues and challenges associated with water resource management and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Treatment Plant Operator