A Systematic Review of Water Governance in Asian Countries: Challenges, Frameworks, and Pathways Toward Sustainable Development Goals

Earth Systems and Environment所収
査読付論文
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Water governance (WG) plays a crucial role in steering integrated water resources management (IWRM) toward the fulfillment
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in developing regions. Despite this, substantial challenges
hinder effective WG implementation across Asia. This study systematically reviews WG literature in Asia from 2000 to
2020, identifying prevailing challenges and proposing a modified WG framework to encourage policy reform. Utilizing the
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, we searched the Scopus database
and additional resources to accumulate comprehensive literature on WG in Asia. We incorporated peer-reviewed articles,
gray literature, and institutional reports. These were evaluated based on their relevance to WG in Asia, use of analytical
frameworks, and incorporation of performance indicators. The search identified 350 potentially relevant documents, with
145 qualifying for in-depth review after screening through rigorous selection criteria, comprising peer-reviewed articles,
institutional reports, and influential gray literature. The literature revealed increasing attention to WG since the SDGs’
inception, with the most significant contributions related to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Asia. Critical WG issues
identified include transboundary water management, irrigation challenges, water quality concerns, and water–food–energy
nexus interdependencies. Predominantly, these issues stem from insufficient legal and institutional frameworks, poor stakeholder
engagement, and ineffective cooperation, particularly in cross-border river basins. The analysis frequently employed
legal and institutional frameworks, Ostrom’s theory, and OECD guidelines, all pointing to common challenges. We propose
a modified WG framework with 13 elements, accompanied by key recommendations. The study underscores the need for
an enhanced understanding of WG to support policymakers, managers, and scholars in developing effective WG strategies
that align with the SDGs. This research contributes to the literature by providing a synthesized perspective on WG in Asia
and a foundation for future governance improvements.

著者:
Duc
Nguyen Hong
Long
Pham Tam
Meraj
Gowhar
Lan
Pham Phuong
Almazroui
Mansour
Avtar
Ram
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