Strengthening transboundary river basin institutions : a comparative learning from existing basin institutions in Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia
Year: 2005
Type: article
Abstract: Throughout human history, concerted efforts (both national and international) have beenput in creating institutions for managing rivers effectively. However, finding theappropriate institutional recipes is hardly trivial. The main question is which types ofinstitutional arrangements are best suited for water management in a basin context? Todate more documentations on conflict and cooperation over international watercourseshave been published but there is still a need to establish what key factors leads to asuccessful transboundary river basin institution. This study therefore attempts toidentify attributes of effective transboundary river basin institution in order to provideexperiences and important lessons on transboundary river basin management that can beused to strengthen other river basin institutions.To answer the research questions a comprehensive literature study was done to identifytheoretical factors of an effective river basin institution. In order to complement thesetheoretical factors, five basin institutions from Southeast Asia (Mekong), Europe (Rhine)and Africa (Nile, Senegal and Incomati) were selected for analysis. The basins werefirst independently reviewed and later comparatively assessed. The following werefound to be critical in their successful functioning: (1) realization of common interest bythe riparian states. (2) Presence of a strong secretariat responsible for data andinformation management. (3) Appropriate institutions of water governance at nationaland local level with representation of civil society. (4) Strong political commitmentreflected by adoption of appropriate funding mechanism; (5) Regional integration, onissues other than on water and (6) integrated actions leading to maintenance of theintegrity of ecosystems. The lessons from the case study assessment were used indeveloping a framework incorporating the key factors in Kagera river basin.From the study, it is apparent that effective river basin institutions develop throughexperimentation and innovation. Hence, it may be concluded that for transboundaryriver basin institutions to be successful riparian governments would need to: form jointmanagement institutions based on a shared vision for the future; align and harmonizenational as well as regional policies and legislation; develop appropriate institutionalcapacity at the national and local level; set clear mechanisms for conflict prevention andresolution; and develop appropriate mechanisms for joint data sharing, monitoring andinformation management. However, for each international basin, the optimal modes willdepend on a mix of these factors as well as basin cultures. Finally, moving towardregional integration may provide a window of opportunity to overcome some of thechallenges of joint management institutions.
Author: Komakech, C.H.
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7025137325