Complexity in Water Management and Governance

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Water management is often facing complex problems, which are particularly challenging to address. But while the term 'complexity' has increasingly been used, the concept and its implications for management and governance have often remained unclear. Building on both conceptual and empirical research, this chapter sheds light on complexity in the water field from a management and governance perspective. Analytical concepts of complexity are described and distinguished from related concepts such as 'wicked' and 'uncertain' problems. Further, three types of approaches to address complex problems are discussed, characterized by various understandings of complexity, governance approaches, and emphasis put on inputs (processes) and outputs (results). The chapter provides examples of addressing complex problems, including installing an Integrated Water Resources Management, implementing a Nexus approach to environmental resources and sectors, and addressing poor water quality within the European Water Framework Directive. The chapter concludes on the future role and design of governance research in addressing complex water management problems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of Water Resources Management: Discourses, Concepts and Examples
EditorsJanos J. Bogardi, Joyeeta Gupta, K. D. Wasantha Nandalal, Léna Salamé, Ronald R. P. van Nooijen, Navneet Kumar, Tawatchai Tingsanchali, Anik Bhaduri, Alla G. Kolechkina
Number of pages10
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer Nature
Publication date12.06.2021
Pages801-810
ISBN (print)978-3-030-60145-4
ISBN (electronic)978-3-030-60147-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12.06.2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021. All rights reserved.

    Research areas

  • Environmental Governance - complexity, European Water Framework Directive, Integrated Water Resources Management, Nexus, Uncertainty, Water quality, Wicked problems

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