Appendix 1: Additional IWRM Case Studies

Appendix 1: Additional IWRM Case Studies

Much of environmental politics argues that we must forge a new relationship with nature. While we must look forward it is also important to look back at traditional cultures and their relationship with their environment to gain insight into how we should interact with nature: to understand our environment and how we interact with it and develop a sensitivity to its importance we must understand how it has shaped society and how cultures are developed in response to it; by looking at cultures that have developed systems that have survived through time and change we can understand how societies evolve relative to their environment and the systems that are available to support them.

Most traditional societies that evolved into modern times maintaining a sustainable balance between society and culture did not remain stagnant, but developed over time relative to their unique circumstances, i.e. social, technological, economic, political. As local NGO’s become better able to chart the economic and environmental destinies of local communities, First World donors look to them for expertise and capability. For instance, in 1975 donor governments channeled $100 million through local NGOs; in 1985 the figure had risen to $1.1 billion” (Wapner, 1996:522)

According to Anil Agarwal, of the Center for Science and Environment, “the Real Green Revolution takes hold by reverting back to generations of sustainable water resources management systems.” “Projects should not create dependence” (Aga Khan representative, Umesh Desai, in Levin, 2004) Accordingly, the Jal Swaraj campaign, established through the Center for Science and Environment, was established to promote the revival of traditional systems of water harvesting. In conjunction with a comprehensive strategy to further the impact of its campaign it has called for a water management system that is participatory, equitable, and decentralized to find practical solutions to water shortages.

With the trend toward developing water resource management system that are uniquely designed relative to a unique environment, cultural, economy, politics among many other case specific characteristics, the value of documenting and analyzing systems through case studies has offered a wealth of information to others involved in developing water management systems.

The Global Water Partnership Forum and The International Water Resources Management Forum has taken the lead in spearheading water management policy research and disseminating information to policy makers and others working to develop effective water resources management systems in an era of increasing water scarcity. Through its global water partnership the GWPF has followed a generation of scholars who understood the importance of a multidisciplinary, multivariate, culturally and situation specific process of institutional development to secure a sustainable system of water management resources systems.

What is the balance among levels of governance, civil society, and private actors that offers the most promising sustainability function? What is the level of dependence and interdependence necessary to support stakeholder action and a balance of power and support? What is the impact of organizational change in the long run? We often overlook the importance of lessons learned. History provides vital information about the interconnection of law, culture, environment, technology, society and politics. Good governance can not simply look forward, but must look back to understand the nuances of systems that create problems and possibilities. Understanding how law, policy and society support good governance or detract from developing a better system of governance is essential to creating a sustainable system that supports social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

The principles of Integrated Water Resources Management have offered the foundation of a multitude of cases of institutional development of water resources for a sustainable future. Establishing cooperative institutions with high levels of stakeholder involvement have met with some success. The multitude of systems, however, has offered a wealth of information to support the institutionalization of effective water systems. Both successes and failures, problems and solutions though unique to each system in varying environments supports the wealth of lessons learned to inform those involved in water systems development.

The Global Water Partnership, along with numerous other international and regional organizations supports a library of case specific studies that it challenges those involved with water resource management policy and development to apply effectively incorporate lessons learned from applicable cases. In the context of each unique environment and specific geographic, cultural, social characteristics a wealth of information is made available to other regions and cultures in both developing and developed communities.

The following is a sampling of some important case studies that provide valuable insight into the development of effective water resources management systems.

Case by: Meg Findley and Vahid Alavian (Findley, et al., 2003)

The Tennessee Valley Authority is one of the earliest successful examples of integrated water resources development and management. Established in 1933, it continues to operate a wide variety of water supply, hydropower, economic development, and environmental programs within a seven-state region in the southeastern United States through a system of cooperation and stakeholder involvement.

Case by: Kai Lee and Jody Lawrence (Lee, et al., 1986)

Case by: The Netherlands Association of Waterboard Association (IWRM ToolBox Case# 29, 2005)

“Where ground water tables have fallen and competition among water users is increasing” it represents an issue many regions are facing throughout the globe. The aim of the project studied was to conserve water quality and increase water use efficiency in agriculture. Both of these objectives it was observed required involving farmers in every aspect of water resources management. Communication and stakeholder participation are seen as key to the success of the project. Moreover, greater transboundary information exchange resulted in greater trust between the two countries and increased opportunity for both.

Case by: Amparo Cadena, (Cadena, IWRM ToolBox Case# 108, 2005)

Case by: Anibal Valencia at the Universidad del Valle, Cali, Columbia (Valencia, ToolBox Case# 106, 2005)

Case by: Folleco, Sandra Bastidas of the Instituto Cinara, Universidad del Valle, Columbia, (Folleco, et al., IWRM ToolBox Case# 109, 2005)

Case by: Sarah Cordero of INCAE, Latin America School of Management, (Cordero, IWRM ToolBox Case# 1, 2005)

Case by: Jamie Echeverria, (Echeverria, IWRM ToolBox Case# 10, 2005)

The project provides a landscape to evaluate a national program to sustain the water source of the largest Lake in Costa Rica. The large scale project began with a mission to involve stakeholders at all levels. The resulting disparate influence of a single party undermined the effectiveness of the project as the majority of stakeholder interest and input, were ignored. Consequently, the project has met with numerous legal, institutional and economic problems relative to its sustainability.

Case by: USAID Alexandria, ISC Project, (USAID, , IWRM ToolBox Case# 162, 2005)

Case by: Abdelfattah Metawie of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, (Metawie, IWRM ToolBox Case# 110, 2005)

With a severely constrained water resource capacity, at less than 1000m3 per person, Alexandria, along with the Egypt as a whole is experiencing a water crisis. The country is faced with developing a more effective water resources management system to not only provide for its current population, but also allow it to support ambitious development goals. An aggressive program was introduced that “involves a combination of technical changes and infrastructure investment, together with institutional and organizational changes in the way irrigation water is managed.” Water Users’ Associations were central to the program as it is understood that decision-making and the operation and maintenance of the pumps and mosques were generally under their authority

One of the most important aspects of the program is that it has been built on the experience of earlier irrigation programs; “there is a body of knowledge that has been tested and piloted which piloted which provides underlying strength to the new reforms.” The combination of users’ participation in water resources management and information sharing provide valuable inputs to support an effective sustainable system.

The case illustrates the importance of building appropriate institutional structures to support changes in technologies while bringing irrigation policy reforms into the broader policy context. It also illustrates the importance of testing and piloting programmes over several years as a basis for strong institutional structures.

Case by: Evelyne Lacombe and Chantal Graille of the Ministry of Agriculture, (Lacombe, et al., IWRM ToolBox Case# 20, 2005)

In their discussion of the region where 75% of the groundwater is abstracted for use as drinking water during the summer tourist season they argue that a mixed syndicate of local authorities (SMETA) established to protect the aquifer met with only limited success as it failed to include private property owners and other users. Consequently, the authors were able to highlight the importance of developing partnerships with important stakeholders.

Case by: Mathew Kurian, (Kurian, IWRM ToolBox Case# 132, 2005)

Case by: UTTHAN and Ashoke Chatterjee in collaboration with ISW, (Chatterjee, et al., IWRM ToolBox Case# 40, 2005)

As “drought, water shortages, fluorine contamination and coastal saline intrusion were recurring problems in Gujara following a series of government initiatives which in 1999 prompted a dialogue among governments, local communities, civil society groups and other stakeholders through various forums.” The resulting “Flow 2010, a long-term strategy for water management, evolved to emphasize the primary role and responsibilities of communities, women and people’s institutions, and the role of government facilitators. This, despite the initial unwillingness of government to relinquish control, catalyzed by a natural disaster that diverted government efforts from control to a greater awareness of local stakeholders river basin based solutions to water issues. The process has stimulated new initiatives and new approaches to water resources management.

Case by Katar Singh, (Singh, IWRM ToolBox Case# 116, 2005)

As a result it is noted that the project has had a positive impact on the environment increasing the number of trees in the village from 100 to 1,000,000 from 1976-2001. Moreover, the tree plantation proved highly profitable. Greater employment and decreased seasonal migration has been attributed to the income generated from trees and irrigated crops. Moreover, the tree growth, it is assumed, has guarded “against the adverse effects of droughts and other natural disasters.”

While the local community stakeholders were participants in the process and eventually formed a cooperative that was independently owned, operated and managed the NGO played a crucial role as catalyst to development, according to the author. “Evaluation studies have revealed that NGO’s could be more effective than governments in motivating and mobilizing people for taking up water resources management activities and in securing equity of access and sustainability of resources. Governments could facilitate the work of NGOs through indirect measures such as enactment of necessary legislation, provision of funds, technical information, guidance and training, establishing new institutions and the creation of basic infrastructure.”(Singh)
Jordan: From Water Service Provision to Planning and Management in the Jordan Valley Authority.

Case by: Clendan Mandri-Perrott, (Mandri-Perrott, IWRM ToolBox Case# 161, 2005)

The case study outlines the transformation of the JVA from a service provider to facilitator and regulator. The open strategic planning process created the conditions for stakeholders to support institutional reforms. Serving as a public entity the JVA is able to support the private sector through government regulation, financial support and institutional development while allowing the private sector to more efficiently provide water services, according to the author. Accordingly, the success of the strategic Plan is positioned to be dependent on the continued active involvement of both public and private sector stakeholders at all levels. The challenge, however, rests in assuring that the JVA work through inequalities, and determine the requirements of different zones and users while remaining transparent and effective.

Case by: Wim Langendijk, Aqua for All, (Langendijk, IWRM ToolBox Case# 140, 2005)

While the import of technical know-how is often important to a project the necessity of establishing a partnership of trust and support between the local population and the NGO network over time, it is argued, is essential to long-term success.

Case by: Mahdi, Mohamed, and Leila Tazi, AMRASH, (Mahdi, et al., IWRM ToolBox Case# 77, 2005)

The case is an example of cooperation, stakeholder participation, building on cultural and legal traditions with external NGO support. A new comprehensive code of access and use, rights and responsibilities, mediation processes and communication, as well as technical development and health requirements were addressed. The project, however, was only attributed limited success. While the efficient supply of water resources increased output, increased demand and created additional problems that were not initially considered. Supply led demand among the local communities and enticed immigrants to settle in the community.

Additionally, reliance on cultural traditions, in effect, excluded a significant user base (i.e. women) as elders and conservative members of the community were resistant to their inclusion.

Finally, improved availability of water increased wastewater production but lacked adequate attention in the management planning resulting in health and hygiene problems.

According to the authors, “the experience highlights the need to plan for increased water consumption when water supply is improved, and to set localized reforms in a wider socio-economic context.”
Nicaragua-Evaluation of the National Water Action Plan.

Case by: Milton, David, (Milton, IWRM ToolBox Case# 12, 2005)

The project design included increased local control through established institutions and stakeholder participation, but the process of establishing clear goals and the lack of clear processes and effective communication with key local decision-makers simply brought about confusion and waning enthusiasm. As a result a voluminous report and action plan failed generate significant change. The complexity of the donor driven process whose aim was to include local institutions rather, confused and alienated local stakeholders. As a result, few actions identified to develop an integrated system have taken place and the lack of a follow-up little change has taken place.(Milton, Nicaragua)

Case by: Thummarukudy, Maralee, Petroleum Development Oman, LLC., (Thummarukudy, IWRM ToolBox Case# 163, 2005)

Case by: A. Schrevel, (Schrevel, IWRM ToolBox Case# 170, 2005)

Case by: Awan, HafeeUllah, Water Sanitation Authority, (Awan, IWRM ToolBox Case# 194, 2005)

A system of water resources management institutions were put into place taking into consideration the unique hydrologic conditions faced by different areas. The Balochistan Ground Water Rights Administration Ordinance of 1978 is cited as an effective mechanism to provide the appropriate for regulating and managing ground water rights incorporating both traditional and modern water extraction systems. Institutions were developed at various levels of government and society to allow for an integrated water management system that could effectively support regional differences. The Provincial Water Board, District Water Committees and Groundwater planning and Monitoring Directorate) together monitor, and allocate water resources while maintaining a balance of interests and stakeholders.

Case by: Larry Nelson, (Nelson, IWRM ToolBox Case# 154, 2005)

To support the WUA’s legislation and regulation was developed to create the appropriate framework for a participatory, demand-driven approach for more sustainable water resources management. “Local farmers, through participation in water users associations, were identified as the appropriate level to implement cost-effective decisions for on-farm irrigation and to better coordinate regional management of water and agricultural soils…”(Nelson, Romania)

Case by: Manuel Menendez, (Menendez, IWRM ToolBox Case# 18, 2005)

Adopting an integrated approach to water management took the form of regulation and economic incentives to farmers to improve irrigation efficiency and plant alternative crops. These administrative tools, according to the author, reduced water use and reduce the negative impact of over exploitation.

Case by : Hamdane, Abdelkader, Direction Générale du Génie Rural et de l’exploitation des, Eaux, Tunisie, (Hamdane, IWRM ToolBox Case# 19, 2005)

Given the arid climate and dependence on irrigated agricultural production water scarcity threatens economic development. A national water savings strategy was introduced. The integrated water management strategy included the development of a legislative framework to promote water user’s associations, financial incentives and tariffs to promote conservation, the introduction of water conservation technologies, and other supporting actions such as training research, agricultural marketing, and capacity building.

The irrigated agriculture sector of Tunisia is similar to other North African countries as it is characterized by high consumption and production of waste water. At the same time socio-economic reliance on agricultural output makes the introduction of irrigation reform challenging. A careful assessment of costs and benefits in establishing water demand management in agriculture is essential to its success.
Turkey: Transfer of irrigation management to water users associations (PIM)

Case by: Selmin Burak, (Burak, IWRM ToolBox Case# 57, 2005)

While the increase in cost recovery from less than 40% to more than 80% after facilities had been handed over to water users’ organizations the lack of a strong legislative framework, according to the author, meant that incentive structures are weak and consequently impacted the effectiveness of the program.

Case by: Meg Findley, USAID Information Clearinghouse, (Findley, IWRM ToolBox Case# 87, 2005)

Using dams and associated gardens as an introduction to community management systems, CARE, began a program to improve long-term food and economic security among communities located in Midlands and Masvingo Provinces of Zimbabwe. Through a Community (Resources) Management Approach (CMA) field staff assisted community elected Dam Rehabilitation and Irrigation Committees to manage the various aspects of project implementation and post-project maintenance with input from stakeholders in the community, including those often not represented, (e.g. women) However, it important to note, as the author suggests, that “common property natural resources management hinges on communities’ appreciation of the interdependence between three components: community management, environmental rehabilitation and income.”(Findley, 2000)

The case effectively demonstrates how community management of communal water resources as a means for promoting economic development also enhances environmental awareness thereby integrating economic development with the protection and conservation of environmental resources.

It is important to note that each of these cases, taking place in extremely differentiated regions, economies, technological capacity and culture have proven the importance of involving stakeholders with sensitivity to the corresponding ecosystem. Thus, we can further applaud Elinor Ostrom’s work in revealing the importance of engaging local inputs to develop effective institutions. Most importantly, each case has implications at different levels for others seeking to develop an effective water management resources system.