Public Participation in the Governance of International Freshwater Resources

The United Nations has identified the rising demand for water as one of the major threats to human and ecological health for at least a generation. Over the coming decade, governments throughout the world will struggle to manage water in ways that are efficient, equitable, and environmentally sound. The success of these efforts may depend on giving the public a voice in watershed management decisions that directly affect them. Public involvement holds the promise of improving the management of international watercourses and reducing the potential for conflict over water issues. This volume examines the experiences in many watercourses around the world, drawing lessons learned and highlighting areas for further development. The book also identifies factors—linguistic, political, legal, traditional and cultural, geographic, and institutional—that should be considered in extending and adapting the approaches to other watersheds.