May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
23 minute read
Water governance refers to the political, social, economic, and administrative systems in place to develop and manage water resources and the delivery of water services. It essentially determines who gets what water, when, and how, and who holds the rights to water and its related services and benefits. This complex field involves a wide array of actors, including governments at all levels, international organizations, the private sector, civil society groups, and individual consumers. Effective water governance is crucial for ensuring the sustainable and efficient use of water resources, addressing challenges like scarcity and pollution, and promoting equitable access for all.
Working in water governance can be deeply engaging. It offers the chance to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges, from ensuring access to clean drinking water and sanitation to mitigating the impacts of climate change on water availability. Professionals in this field often find themselves at the intersection of policy, science, and community engagement, striving to create and implement solutions that are both environmentally sound and socially just. The opportunity to contribute to the well-being of communities and ecosystems, and to shape a more sustainable future, is a significant motivator for many in this sector.
Introduction to Water Governance
This section will provide a foundational understanding of water governance, exploring its definition, historical context, the global challenges that necessitate it, and the diverse actors involved.
Definition and Scope of Water Governance
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Find a path to becoming a Water Governance. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/z3a12x/water
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Water Governance.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's water resources, their use, and the challenges facing their management. It is written by Peter H. Gleick, a leading expert in water resources management.
Provides an introduction to the principles and practices of water resources management. It covers a wide range of topics, from hydrology to water policy.
Examines the challenges of water governance in South Africa, a country facing water scarcity and climate change. It provides insights into the policies and practices that are needed to achieve sustainable water management.
Examines the emerging issues and challenges of water governance in a changing climate. It provides insights into the policies and practices that are needed to adapt to climate change and ensure water security.
Examines the global water crisis and the role of international law in addressing it. It argues that international law can play a key role in promoting water security and ensuring that everyone has access to safe water.
Examines the relationship between water and the environment and the challenges of achieving a sustainable future. It covers a wide range of topics, from water pollution to climate change.
Provides a comprehensive overview of water law from a global perspective. It covers a wide range of topics, from water rights to water pollution.
Explores the challenges of water governance in the Anthropocene, a new geological epoch characterized by human activity. It argues that traditional approaches to water governance are no longer adequate and that new approaches are needed.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/z3a12x/water
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