Governance
As defined by the UNDP Water Governance Facility, water governance is determined by the political, social, economic, and administrative systems that are in place. These systems can both directly and indirectly affect the use, development, and management of water resources and the delivery of water services delivery at different levels of society. Improving governance for economic, environmental, and social sustainability is possible through the establishment of stronger public and private institutions, policies, legislation, and processes. Topics addressed in this theme include the principles of equity and efficiency, water administration, the roles of government and other stakeholders, and the frameworks to balance water use between socio-economic activities and ecosystems.
Governance Resources
Institutional Mechanisms for the Assessment and Management of Transboundary Aquifers: the Importance of Partnerships
Published:
July 7, 2010The National Institutes for Water Resources
This presentation provides information about the U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program, detailing partnerships for scientific investigations and the status of the binational Arizona-Sonora efforts.Read more
Regional focus:
United States, North AmericaWater Policy Innovations and Challenges in Arizona
Published:
May 1, 2010The National Institutes for Water Resources
The rapid growth in Arizona's population, coupled with prolonged drought, has strained its already scarce water resources. Accommodating population growth in a responsible manner has required Arizona to be a leader and innovator in water policy...Read more
Regional focus:
United States, North AmericaPlanning for Climate Change in the West
Published:
January 1, 2010The National Institutes for Water Resources
Central to the mission of Western Lands and Communities is planning for climate change. This policy focus report began as a Lincoln Institute Working Paper by Rebecca Carter (2008) titled 'Land Use Planning and the Changing Climate of the West.' The paper highlights how local planners...Read more
Regional focus:
North America, United States, PacificThe FORWARD Project: First Quarterly Report
Published:
October 1, 1996U.S. Agency for International Development
The first quarterly report of the FORWARD project, a project designed to promote equitable and sustainable water management strategies, policies and plans in selected countries in the ANE region, which are facing serious water shortages and/or conflicts over water.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNew Directions in Ocean Law, Policy and Management
Published:
December 1, 1983U.S. Agency for International Development
This paper will first briefly examine the marine environment of the West Africa coast with a focus on the environment of the West African coast with a focus on the region's living marine resources. This will be followed by a discussion of the Law of the Sea Convention with particular reference...Read more
Regional focus:
United States, North AmericaWater Quality Standards and International Development
Published:
January 1, 1971U.S. Agency for International Development
The purpose of this report is to offer those concerned with social and economic progress in developing countries insights into the concept of water quality standards, and summary of progress to date in establishing such standards in the United States and in developing countries.Read more
Regional focus:
United States, North AmericaSharing Colorado River Water: History, Public Policy and the Colorado River Compact
The National Institutes for Water Resources
The year 1997 marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Colorado River Compact. Delegates from the seven Colorado River Basin states met on November 9, 1922 in New Mexico to discuss, negotiate and ultimately work out the compact. It was then signed in the Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe,...Read more
Regional focus:
United States, North AmericaUSAID Water and Development Strategy, 2013-2018
Foundation Center, U.S. Agency for International Development
The first global Water and Development Strategy outlines the approach that will guide USAID's water programming through 2018. The Strategy emphasizes sustainability, working through host country systems, using emerging science and technology, and learning from past efforts...Read more
Regional focus:
United States, North AmericaWater and Development Strategy: Implementation Field Guide
Foundation Center, U.S. Agency for International Development
This periodically updated document is intended to serve as a reference tool to help USAID Operating Units understand and apply the agency's 2013-2018 Water and Development Strategy. By publicly sharing the document, USAID aims to ensure coordination of their efforts with the wider water sector...Read more
Regional focus:
United States, North AmericaWhy the Groundwater Management Act?
Published:
October 18, 2014The National Institutes for Water Resources
Groundwater is being pumped from aquifers faster than it is able to be naturally replenished. The Groundwater Management Act (GMA) was established by the Arizona State legislature to regulate groundwater use and determine a safe yield goal for recharge of water and recovery.Read more
Regional focus:
United States, North AmericaDon't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.