What does water governance encompass?

Water governance encompasses the comprehensive process of decision-making and the structures used to manage water resources effectively. This includes administrative systems that are responsible for the oversight, regulation, and implementation of water policies and practices.

Focusing on administrative systems captures a wide range of functions, including planning, resource allocation, quality management, and conflict resolution. It emphasizes the coordinated efforts among various stakeholders, including governments, communities, and private sectors, to ensure sustainable water management practices.

While elements like legal frameworks, economic aspects, and political discussions are indeed important to water governance, they can be viewed as parts of the larger administrative system. The administrative frameworks ensure that these legal, economic, and political considerations are integrated into cohesive and actionable policies that respond to both current needs and future challenges regarding water resources. Thus, viewing water governance through the lens of administrative systems provides a more holistic understanding of how water resources are managed.