The necessity of creating a participatory governance framework with an emphasis on the role of local communities to achieve water security in Khorasan Razavi

Document Type : Analytical note

Authors

• mahbobeh farzandi
• k. Davary
• M.H. Efatpanah

Graduated from the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Water Engineering

Abstract

Theoretical studies show that the three-dimensional nature of water - as a vital substance, a public good and an economic factor - requires a combined approach in policy-making. In Iran, the water crisis, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, is caused by a combination of natural and human factors. This crisis has become one of the main challenges of the country in recent years. In the meantime, participatory governance as a new approach can be considered as an effective tool in managing water resources and improving the resilience of local communities against water crises.

This article analyzes the status of water governance by examining upstream documents such as the Seventh Development Plan, as well as reputable global scientific sources and examining important concepts such as water systems, the theory of common goods, Arnstein's participation ladder and new approaches to water resource governance, and provides solutions to strengthen participatory governance. For this purpose, it is necessary to design a framework in which the government plays a role as a facilitating policymaker and the people as the main actors in the decision-making, management, and monitoring process of water resources.

Keywords

• Participatory Governance
• Water Resource Management
• Water Crisis
• Local Community

Main Subjects

• Risk, Sustainability and Resilience