An Analysis of the Alignment of Water Governance in Arid Regions with the Principles of Sustainable Development

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Mahnaz Kiyani Majd

Mohammad Mehdi Chari

Hadi Galavi

Department of Water Science and Engineering, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.

10.22067/jwsd.v13i1.2511-1475

Abstract

This study analyzes the alignment between water governance systems in ten arid, transboundary river basins, the Nile River, Murray-Darling, Lake Chad, Indus River, Helmand River, Mekong River, Colorado River, Jordan River, Volta River, and Aral Sea, and the economic and social dimensions of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results indicate that water governance in these basins is significantly influenced by political relations of countries; however, the existence of water treaties has frequently helped mitigate tensions and promote sustainable resource management. The establishment of joint institutions and participatory mechanisms also plays a key factor in strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring justice in water distribution. From an economic perspective, in the Murray-Darling and Colorado basins, the implementation of water markets and price rationalization have enhanced alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 8: Sustainable Economic Growth). In contrast, the continuation of subsidy policies, the lack of real pricing and transboundary challenges in the Helmand, Lake Chad, Aral, Nile and Mekong basins have weakened local economies and hindered the optimal allocation of water resources. From a social perspective, inequality in water access and limited stakeholder participation in decision-making the Helmand, Chad, and Aral basins have exacerbated social conflicts and reduced the resilience of local communities. Overall, the observed patterns suggest that achieving effective water governance and sustainable development in arid regions with transboundary river basins requires strengthening cross-border cooperation, reforming economic policies to establish a circular economy within basin boundaries,  the restructuring of organizational communication and decision-making frameworks centered on water conservation and security, and the institutionalization of inclusive engagement for both domestic and international stakeholders.

Keywords

Participatory Water Governance

Transboundary Waters

SDGs

Shared Transboundary River Basin

Helmand Basin

Subjects

• Water Management and Economy

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