Year: 2026
Type: report
Abstract: This policy brief draws on research examining the implementation of rights of rivers in Bangladesh and Colombia (Rodríguez-Blásquez et al., 2026). While these cases differ in their legal and institutional design, they illustrate general challenges for countries that have adopted rights of rivers frameworks. Through a comparative analysis of rights of rivers implementation in both countries, we focus on practical governance lessons for policymakers seeking to make rights of rivers effective. Key messages: - Legal recognition of river rights is the first step for equitable river governance. - River rights must be clearly defined and operationalized. - Governance arrangements must enable coordinated leadership and accountability. - River governance should integrate community knowledge and participation. - River health should be assessed through both ecological and social criteria.
DOI: 10.51414/sei2026.028
Language: English
Topic: Environmental law and policy
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7165921217