Science–policy processes for transboundary water governance

Armitage, Derek; de Loë, Rob C.; Morris, Michelle; Edwards, Tom W. D.; Gerlak, Andrea K.; Hall, Roland I.; Huitema, Dave; Ison, Ray; Livingstone, David; MacDonald, Glen; Mirumachi, Naho; Plummer, Ryan and Wolfe, Brent B. (2015). Science–policy processes for transboundary water governance. Ambio, 44(5) pp. 353–366.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-015-0644-x

Abstract

In this policy perspective, we outline several conditions to support effective science–policy interaction, with a particular emphasis on improving water governance in transboundary basins. Key conditions include (1) recognizing that science is a crucial but bounded input into water resource decision-making processes; (2) establishing conditions for collaboration and shared commitment among actors; (3) understanding that social or group-learning processes linked to science–policy interaction are enhanced through greater collaboration; (4) accepting that the collaborative production of knowledge about hydrological issues and associated socioeconomic change and institutional responses is essential to build legitimate decision-making processes; and (5) engaging boundary organizations and informal networks of scientists, policy makers, and civil society. We elaborate on these conditions with a diverse set of international examples drawn from a synthesis of our collective experiences in assessing the opportunities and constraints (including the role of power relations) related to governance for water in transboundary settings.