This paper by Suzanne A. Pierce, Reed A. Malin, and Eugenio Figueroa was just published in the Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education's (JCWRE) special issue on Water and International Security. Here is the Introduction by issue editor Dr. David Kreamer.
I heard her speak on this topic at the recent IAH meeting in Niagara
Falls, Ontario. It was a remarkable presentation. In fact, that's where Dave asked her if she could prepare a paper for this special issue. Thank heavens she agreed!
The abstract is below; click here to read the entire paper. You will also be able to download a free PDF.
Abstract
Water conflict arises in interconnected ways. As demand increases in one
region or industrial sector, the accompanying shifts in water resource management regimes have impacts at the local level and may carry international implications. Insecure water resources are often the root cause of resistance or social conflict across many political and economic sectors. Integrated Water Resources Management is an emerging transdisciplinary approach to science-based water management that attempts to account for these cross sector effects. This paper presents a case study of Integrated Water Resources Managment methods applied in the El Tatio Geothermal Field basin of northern Chile where tensions from the competing needs of metals mining, tourism, energy development, scientific research, and environmental conservation have created social and political tension. Participatory engagement was conducted with stakeholders in the field through elicitation and group dialogue process. This was combined with design of a cyberinfrastructure system for managing and presenting data. Results suggest that sustained facilitated dialogue and socio-technical systems approaches provide a framework to implement Integrated Water Resources Managment, improve science communication, and engage stakeholders at the center of resource conflict. In the case study, early results are informing the framing of data collection plans, microentrepreneurial ventures, and spurring communication across sectors.
IWRM on steroids! Be sure to ask Suzanne to visit your institution to speak on her work.
"No one has done good who has not suffered disillusionment." - Chilean proverb
Identifying the resilient factors within a system may reduce water security concerns and enhance cooperation. In this paper, we are examining the dimensions of resilience as influenced by the rate of change and institutional capacity within river basins. Three case studies are analyzed for their water security capacity, including resilience and vulnerability, as well as institutional capacity
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