Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction
Effective governance of water resources is of paramount importance due to water's critical role in human survival and ecosystem sustainability. This governance encompasses the sustainable management of water resources, meeting the water needs of populations, protecting natural ecosystems, preventing water crises, and adapting to climate change. By utilizing scientific analyses and precise data, good governance can contribute to optimizing water use, preventing pollution and reducing vulnerability to climatic fluctuations. Moreover, sound water governance promotes social equity and public participation in decision-making process of water resource management, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability, ultimately leading to sustainable development and environmental preservation. In this context, effective water resource governance is particularly critical in Iran due to natural water resource limitations, uneven geographical distribution, and pressures arising from population growth and climate change. Iran, with its arid and semi-arid climate, faces chronic water scarcity and drought crises, necessitating precise and sustainable water resource management. Poor governance could lead to increased water pollution, a decline in groundwater levels, and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, given the dependency of agriculture and industries on water resources, effective governance is essential for ensuring food security and economic development in the country. Therefore, adopting comprehensive policies based on scientific data for optimal water resource management and crisis prevention will aid in conserving natural resources, improving quality of life, and achieving sustainable development goals in Iran. Thus, the main objectives of this research are as follows: examining the causal, contextual, and intervening factors contributing to the inefficiency of water governance in Iran; identifying the strategies and approaches employed by social actors in response to the phenomenon of ineffective water governance in Iran and analyzing the consequences of ineffective water governance in Iran.
Methodology
This study employs a qualitative research methodology, specifically the grounded theory approach, to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the weaknesses of water governance institutions in Iran. Grounded theory, introduced by Corbin in the 1960s, is a qualitative research approach that allows researchers to develop new theories from the collected data without relying on pre-existing assumptions or theories. The primary goal of this method is to derive theories and concepts directly from the data.
Findings
In this context, the analysis of structural and managerial weaknesses as the core category in Iran's water governance reveals that fundamental problems in this area are widely influenced by causal, contextual, and intervening conditions. From the perspective of causal conditions, administrative corruption, lack of information transparency, and disregard for public participation have led to an inefficient and unstable management environment. These weaknesses result in resource wastage, a decline in public trust, and an inability to meet the real needs of a society. Regarding contextual conditions, social and cultural structures, an inefficient legal and regulatory system, and a lack of education and public awareness exacerbate management crises and hinder the implementation of effective changes. A culture of distrust towards official institutions and inadequate laws prevents governmental bodies from fulfilling their responsibilities properly. On the other hand, political pressures, climate change, and economic crises, as intervening conditions, impose an additional burden on existing managerial weaknesses, exacerbating the severity of water resource crises. These conditions, in turn, necessitate comprehensive and profound reforms in managerial structures and increase coordination among various institutions, especially in the areas of strategic planning, transparency, and public participation, to achieve effective and sustainable improvements in the country's water resource management.
Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of the weaknesses of water governance institutions in Iran reveals that these weaknesses have a significant negative impact on four main areas, which are directly linked to existing structural and managerial problems. The reduction of water resources and the emergence of water crises are among the major consequences of weak water governance institutions. Increased droughts, declining groundwater levels, deteriorating water quality, and the inability to manage water distribution are some of the issues that stem from an inability to predict and manage crises, severely affecting the country's water resources. These issues highlight the urgent need to improve managerial and structural processes within water governance institutions.
Additionally, economic and social problems are directly caused by weaknesses in water governance. These problems include increased living costs, reduced income for farmers, rising unemployment in water-dependent areas, social discontent, and economic pressures. The inability to meet people's livelihood needs and the increasing economic inequalities are direct results of poor water resource management, which has serious social implications. Environmental damage is also identified as one of the serious consequences of weak water governance. The destruction of aquatic ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, pollution of water resources, and disruption of the natural water cycle are some of the environmental issues that are heavily influenced by managerial weaknesses. These damages lead to environmental degradation and ecological imbalance, resulting in more severe environmental crises, which emphasize the need for structural reforms.
Conclusions
Finally, the decline in the quality of water services and infrastructure is recognized as a key consequence of weak water governance institutions. The deterioration of water infrastructure, lack of access to clean water, reduced efficiency of water systems, and increased problems in water supply are some of the negative outcomes of these weaknesses. These issues result in a decline in public trust in water services and increase challenges in meeting the basic needs of society. Overall, this analysis demonstrates that managerial and structural weaknesses in water governance institutions have widespread and multiple impacts on water resources, the economy, society, and the environment. To address these consequences and improve the situation, serious reforms and strategic planning are required in all aspects of the country's water resource management. Only through these comprehensive and far-reaching reforms, sustainability and efficiency in water resource management can be achieved which pave the way for effective mitigation with the existing crises.
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