da Silva L.P.B.; Ribero W.C and Espíndola I.B . (2023). Transboundary Water Governance. Interdisciplinary Approaches and Global Case Studie. Routledge. Hardback: £92.00, Paperback £29.59, ISBN: 978-1-415-81295-5
Tamara Zambiasi
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; tamara.zambiasi@gmail.com
To cite this Review: Zambiasi, T. (2024). Review of "Transboundary Water Governance. Interdisciplinary Approaches and Global Case Studies", Routledge, 2023, by da Silva L.P.B.; Ribero W.C and Espíndola I.B (Eds)., Water Alternatives, http://www.water-alternatives.org/index.php/boh/item/383-newp
The governance of transboundary water resources represents one of the most intricate and pressing challenges of our time, rooted in the complex interplay between environmental, political, and socio-economic dimensions. Nowhere are these challenges more acute than in the Global South, where water governance is shaped by deeply entrenched inequities, historical legacies of exploitation, and developmental pressures. The edited volume New Perspectives on Transboundary Water Governance: Interdisciplinary Approaches and Global Case Studies, curated by Luis Paulo Batista da Silva, Wagner Costa Ribeiro, and Isabella Battistello Espíndola, offers a broad exploration of these issues through case studies and theoretical analyses.
The central argument of the book challenges the entrenched dominance of state-centric and technocratic approaches, advocating instead for a shift that embraces diverse scales of governance and the inclusion of non-state actors. This theme is introduced in the discussion of how spatial and political frames shape water politics, as highlighted in the analysis of transboundary water management systems (Chapter 3). By emphasizing the interaction of local, national, and international governance mechanisms, the editors underline the difficulties of achieving coherent collaboration across scales. This theoretical foundation provides a cohesive backdrop for the volume’s empirical case studies, which explore how governance practices are shaped by historical contexts, power asymmetries, and cultural perceptions.
Conflict and cooperation emerge as intertwined forces in transboundary water governance, with examples illustrating how they can coexist and even drive one another. This dynamic is explored in the context of international basins, where climate change, adaptation measures, and shifts in water financing create tensions and opportunities for cooperation (Chapter 1). The Central American case studies, for example, underscore how political fragmentation and cultural divides have undermined promising initiatives like the Paz River Commission (Chapter 4). These narratives remind us that transboundary water governance cannot be understood in isolation from the historical and socio-political forces that shape these regions.
The book’s discussion of groundwater governance adds an often-overlooked dimension to the conversation. Shared aquifers, such as the Guarani Aquifer System and those along the U.S.-Mexico border, present unique governance challenges that cannot be addressed using frameworks designed for surface water (Chapters 8 and 10). These cases demonstrate the critical need for scientific knowledge, institutional capacity, and community engagement to inform effective governance. Groundwater’s “invisibility” complicates its management, yet the volume persuasively argues for its inclusion as a central focus in transboundary governance frameworks.
Throughout the book, the role of non-state actors in reshaping governance practices is a recurring theme. The concept of hydroparadiplomacy, which highlights the contributions of local governments, NGOs, and epistemic communities, challenges the traditional dominance of state sovereignty in transboundary water politics (Chapter 2). In regions like Southern Africa, local actors have proven instrumental in advancing adaptive governance and integrated water resource management (Chapter 5). These examples offer compelling evidence of how decentralized governance can address gaps and inequities in existing frameworks.
Examining water through the lenses of history and culture in shaping governance outcomes is undoubtedly a highlight of the book, adding depth to its analysis. By investigating the legacies of colonialism, historical mismanagement, and shifting political ideologies, the contributors highlight how past decisions continue to influence contemporary governance practices. For instance, the exploration of water policies in Syria reveals how narratives of self-sufficiency and neoliberalism have exacerbated resource inequities and regional tensions (Chapter 6). Similarly, discussions of the Paraguay and Tagus Basins show how governance gaps are deeply rooted in historical and structural inequalities, underscoring the need for solutions that are sensitive to these contexts (Chapter 7).
The book also explores the potential of technological and policy innovations to address governance challenges. Desalination technologies in the Middle East, for example, are presented as transformative tools for alleviating groundwater pressures, though the authors caution that technological solutions must be integrated into comprehensive governance strategies (Chapter 9). This nuanced perspective reinforces the need for interdisciplinary approaches that balance technical, political, and social considerations.
Despite its strengths, the volume is not without limitations. While some chapters engage deeply with theoretical frameworks like hydro-hegemony and adaptive governance, others are primarily descriptive and lack a strong connection to the book’s overarching themes. The absence of a concluding chapter synthesizing the key insights diminishes the volume’s potential to offer a unified vision for the future of transboundary water governance. However, these shortcomings are outweighed by the volume’s rich empirical content and its focus on underrepresented regions and issues, making it a key resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike.
Ultimately, New Perspectives on Transboundary Water Governance invites readers to critically examine entrenched governance paradigms and explore alternative frameworks tailored to the multifaceted challenges of a dynamic and uncertain global context. By foregrounding equity, adaptability, and inclusivity, the book outlines practical approaches to addressing key challenges in water governance during a time of scarcity exacerbated by climate change. Its focus on the Global South, combined with its interdisciplinary methodology, ensures its relevance to contemporary debates, making it an important contribution to the field. For scholars, practitioners, and policymakers grappling with the intricate realities of transboundary water governance, the book serves as a valuable resource, offering insights to address escalating environmental and geopolitical challenges.
