Understanding emergent participation practices in water governance

Abstract

This introductory article discusses the proliferation of different forms of participation in water governance. It is argued that creating public value through participation can only succeed when effective cocreation between public authorities and communities emerges. However, challenges to realizing co-creation are manifold, and differ among the various types of participation. In this respect, we introduce a typology of different forms of participation, based on the distinction between top-down (invited) and bottom-up (created) participation. We use this distinction to analyze different dynamics in participatory water governance and to delve deeper into the dilemmas and trade-offs. Lastly, the various contributions to this special issue are introduced.

Drought and Water Scarcity Management Policy in England and Wales—Current Failings and the Potential of Civic Innovation

“…Thus, it can be concluded that currently employed drought and water scarcity management options in England and Wales rely significantly on restricting water use in times of drought and are therefore, with the exception of elements of drought plans and WRMPs, potentially too focused on thinking about water scarcity in the context of actual drought events. Given the large number of drought and water scarcity management options identified in the literature review that focus on proactive measures such as the ones represented in the "Valuing water/ attitudes" box or "Land use planning" box, English and Welsh water companies are missing out on current trends in drought and water scarcity 3 Water Resources Management Plans (Dee Valley Water, 2013;Peel Water Networks, 2013;Affinity Water, 2014;Anglian Water, 2014;SSE Water, 2014a;Bristol Water, 2014;SSE Water, 2014b;Cambridge Water, 2014;Cholderton and District Water, 2014;Essex and Suffolk Water, 2014;Northumbrian Water, 2014;Portsmouth Water, 2014;SES Water, 2014;Severn Trent, 2014;South East Water, 2014;South Staffs Water, 2014;South West Water, 2014;Southern Water, 2014;Thames Water, 2014;Veolia Water Projects, 2014;Welsh Water, 2014;Wessex Water, 2014;Yorkshire Water, 2014;Sembcorp Bournemouth Water, 2015; United Utilities, 2015) management that could potentially be beneficial and shift the emphasis away from measures that are too focused on thinking about water scarcity in the context of actual drought events.…”

Overview of participatory water management to overcome drought towards agricultural sector

“…Commonly, there are two kinds of participation model, top-down and bottom-up. The top-down approach is a participation model which is derived from government programs and related to policy implementation [23]. Top-down approach recognizes the value of people's involvement in water management [24].…”

“…It is triggered by a controversial policy process initiated by public authorities responding to specific needs in the local community. In bottom-up initiatives, local partners become vital for governments in planning, management, and also implementation processes, including operation and maintenance [23]. Thus, government and community should have an equal relationship to develop the governance capacity to solve public issues effectively and transparently [23].…”

“…In bottom-up initiatives, local partners become vital for governments in planning, management, and also implementation processes, including operation and maintenance [23]. Thus, government and community should have an equal relationship to develop the governance capacity to solve public issues effectively and transparently [23]. Public authorities trust their partners using this empowerment to contribute values they want to pursue.…”

“…Public authorities trust their partners using this empowerment to contribute values they want to pursue. However, it is inconceivable that the transfer of resources could go against public programs, or to develop counterinitiatives, assisted by the expertise and resources of the authorities [23].…”