Decentralized Water Governance: Empowering Communities, Advancing Sustainability, and Innovating for the Future

 

                                                          Author : AM Tris Hardyanto

"Decentralized Water Governance: A Game Changer for Global Water Security,  What if local communities held the key to solving the water crisis? As climate change worsens and centralized systems falter, a quiet revolution is transforming water management. From India's Jal Jeevan Mission (100M+ households served) to Brazil's participatory committees and South Africa's local water boards, decentralization is proving that water security starts locally. Can technology and policy unlock a more sustainable future? Discover how innovation, governance, and community action are reshaping water management!"

Promise and Challenges of Decentralized Water Governance

Decentralized water governance offers a promising pathway to more equitable and sustainable water management, particularly as global water challenges intensify. Transitioning from centralized systems to community-led water management allows for locally tailored solutions while fostering adaptability and resilience. However, to fully harness the potential of decentralized systems, several factors must be carefully considered. Robust institutional support, including legal frameworks and capacity-building initiatives, is essential. Additionally, sustainable financial mechanisms for infrastructure investment and operation must be in place, while regulatory coherence is critical to prevent conflicts and ensure effective implementation.

This article explores these key elements of decentralized governance, highlighting their role in achieving sustainable water management. Case studies from India, Brazil, and South Africa illustrate both the successes and challenges of implementation. The findings reveal that while decentralized governance enhances equity, participation, and resilience, financial sustainability and regulatory coherence remain significant hurdles. The study suggests that a hybrid governance model—integrating decentralized decision-making with centralized oversight—may provide the most effective pathway for achieving long-term water security, ensuring both local autonomy and national coordination in resource management.

 

1.      Decentralized Water Governance: Opportunities, Challenges, and Keys to Success

Water management is facing an unprecedented challenge as global water stress escalates. Centralized systems, often burdened by inefficiencies, financial constraints, and a lack of local context, are struggling to meet the needs of growing urban populations and rural communities alike. In contrast, decentralized governance models have gained momentum as a solution that empowers local communities and fosters sustainable water management practices. According to Leigh and Lee (2019), transitioning from centralized systems to decentralized models presents opportunities for greater local adaptability and resilience in water management. However, this shift requires overcoming significant challenges related to funding, regulatory oversight, and capacity building.

While decentralized systems offer substantial promise, they also require careful planning and institutional support. The ability of local communities to manage their water resources effectively hinges on the provision of clear legal frameworks, financial mechanisms, and technical capacity. Moreover, ensuring a streamlined regulatory environment is necessary to facilitate collaboration between various stakeholders and to ensure that Water managers sustainably achieve their goals. This article explores how decentralization can transform water governance while highlighting the essential components needed for its success.

 

2. Theoretical Foundations of Decentralized Water Governance

Before exploring case studies, it is essential to understand the theoretical underpinnings of decentralized water governance. Key concepts such as polycentric governance, common-pool resource management, participatory decision-making, and digital governance are central to this approach. Recent research highlights how these theoretical frameworks are evolving to address contemporary challenges, particularly in climate-stressed regions and the digital era.

 

2.1 Polycentric Governance: Multi-Level Coordination for Resilient Water Management

Elinor Ostrom's foundational work on polycentric governance (Müller, 2012) underscores the importance of distributing decision-making authority across multiple governance levels. This multi-tiered system improves responsiveness and accountability by engaging local communities, municipal governments, and regional authorities in water resource management. Polycentric governance fosters institutional diversity, allowing multiple governing bodies to work collaboratively and leverage local knowledge for more adaptive and context-specific solutions.

Recent studies further expand on Ostrom's work by emphasizing the need for adaptive governance in climate-stressed regions. Van Koppen et al. (2023) highlight how decentralized water governance in drought-prone areas must integrate flexible and responsive institutional structures. Their research illustrates that rigid, hierarchical governance models often fail to adapt to fluctuating water availability, whereas polycentric governance, which encourages intergovernmental collaboration and stakeholder participation, enhances resilience in water-scarce regions.

2.2 Participatory Decision-Making: Strengthening Community Involvement in Governance

The principle of stakeholder engagement in decision-making processes, as discussed by Ricart (2016), underscores the importance of inclusivity in governance models. Participatory decision-making ensures that all relevant stakeholders, from local community members to governmental agencies, have a voice in water governance. This participatory model not only leads to better water management but also fosters social cohesion, trust, and transparency.

However, effective participatory governance requires institutional mechanisms that facilitate meaningful engagement rather than tokenistic involvement. According to Tortajada et al. (2022), successful decentralized governance models establish clear legal mandates for community participation and provide financial and technical support to local stakeholders. Their study on community-managed water systems in Latin America demonstrates that when participation is institutionalized—through local water user associations and participatory budgeting—water management outcomes improve significantly.

2.3 Digital Governance: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Decentralized Water Management

In addition to traditional governance frameworks, digital water governance is emerging as a crucial enabler of decentralized management. Recent research by Gupta Verma (2022) highlights how digital monitoring tools, AI-driven analytics, and blockchain-based water tracking systems enhance efficiency and equity in decentralized water governance. These technologies help communities manage water allocation, detect leaks, and ensure compliance with water quality standards, ultimately reducing inefficiencies in local water distribution.

Furthermore, the integration of real-time data systems into decentralized governance has been particularly beneficial for remote and underserved areas. Studies by Li Chen (2023) show that digital platforms can empower local communities by providing them with actionable insights into their water resources reducing reliance on external technical expertise. This shift from traditional water governance models to data-driven management is revolutionizing how decentralized water systems are operated and monitored.

2.4  Evolving Theoretical Perspectives in Decentralized Water Governance

By framing decentralized governance through these evolving theoretical lenses—polycentric governance, participatory decision-making, and digital governance—we gain deeper insights into its potential and the key elements required for success. Recent studies emphasize that decentralized governance must be dynamic, integrating adaptive management frameworks in response to climate variability while leveraging digital tools for efficiency and transparency. This conceptual foundation informs our exploration of real-world case studies, where these principles have been tested and applied.

 

 

3. Case Studies: Realizing the Potential of Decentralized Water Governance

 

Decentralized water governance systems have been implemented in various parts of the world, yielding valuable lessons about their successes and challenges. The case studies of India, Brazil, and South Africa highlight how community-led governance can improve water access and sustainability while also demonstrating the institutional and financial aspects. We must address regulatory challenges to ensure long-term success.

3.1 India: Expanding Rural Water Access through the Jal Jeevan Mission

India's Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has made remarkable strides in expanding access to piped drinking water through community-managed systems. The government launched the initiative in 2019 to provide universal household water access by 2024, leveraging decentralized governance models that empower local communities to manage and maintain water infrastructure. According to the Government of India (2023), the government launched the Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019 to provide universal household water access by 2024. As of December 2023, the program has successfully provided piped water connections to over 100 million households, covering approximately 60% of rural India. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of community-led water governance in expanding access to safe drinking water.

Despite its successes, the JJM faces challenges that could hinder long-term sustainability. Studies by Singh Sharma (2023) highlight issues such as political interference, lack of skilled local workforce, and insufficient maintenance funds that jeopardize the reliability of decentralized water systems. Furthermore, regional disparities remain a concern, with states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lagging behind wealthier states such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu in terms of coverage and infrastructure sustainability. To overcome these barriers, continued capacity-building initiatives, financial support mechanisms, and stronger regulatory oversight are required to sustain the gains made under the program.

3.2 Brazil: Participatory Water Committees and Resource Allocation Efficiency

Brazil has long been a proponent of participatory water governance, mainly through its National Water Resources Policy (1997), which established local water committees to involve communities in water management decisions. This decentralized approach has contributed to improved water resource allocation and increased public participation in watershed management. According to the 2023 Water Governance Index by OECD, participatory water committees have led to a 25% improvement in water allocation efficiency in regions where community engagement is active, helping to reduce over-extraction and enhance resource sustainability.

However, bureaucratic conflicts and overlapping regulatory mandates have posed significant challenges to decentralized governance in Brazil. Brannstrom (2004) and Pereira et al. (2022) note that while community involvement in water governance has improved localized decision-making, coordination issues between local water committees and federal agencies have sometimes led to inefficiencies and conflicts over jurisdiction. For example, in the São Francisco River Basin, disputes over water distribution rights between local committees and national agencies have delayed crucial conservation efforts.

To enhance the effectiveness of decentralized governance, Brazil must focus on streamlining regulatory frameworks and improving intergovernmental cooperation. Strengthening the legal backing for participatory committees and ensuring clear institutional roles can help mitigate conflicts and create a more coherent approach to water resource management.

3.3 South Africa: Decentralized Water Boards and Governance Challenges

Local water boards primarily manage South Africa's decentralized water governance, which manages water resources and supply services for municipalities. The country has made significant progress in promoting water equity and accessibility, mainly through its post-apartheid water reforms, which aimed to redress historical inequalities in water access.

However, South Africa's decentralized water governance faces severe financial and institutional challenges. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (2023), 30% of local water boards are currently in financial distress, leading to disruptions in service delivery and infrastructure maintenance. Furthermore, corruption and mismanagement within some water boards have exacerbated inefficiencies. Reports from Müller (2022) indicate that financial mismanagement has led to delays in infrastructure upgrades worsening water scarcity in regions already affected by climate change.

Additionally, the rural-urban divide in water access remains a persistent issue. A 2023 UN-Water report found that while 98% of urban households in South Africa have access to reliable water services, only 65% of rural communities receive consistent supply. This disparity underscores the need for stronger governance mechanisms that ensure equitable resource distribution while maintaining the autonomy of local water management institutions.

To address these challenges, South Africa must focus on enhancing financial sustainability, increasing transparency in governance structures, and ensuring stronger accountability measures for water boards. Expanding public-private partnerships (PPPs) and introducing performance-based funding models can help stabilize local water management institutions and improve service delivery.

3.4 Key Takeaways from the Case Studies

The experiences of India, Brazil, and South Africa provide valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of decentralized water governance:

 

India's Jal Jeevan Mission demonstrates the power of decentralized governance in expanding water access, but long-term sustainability hinges on skilled workforce development and financial stability.

Brazil's participatory water committees improve water allocation efficiency, yet conflicts between local and national authorities hinder seamless governance.

South Africa's decentralized water boards promote equity, but financial mismanagement and rural-urban disparities pose significant challenges.

Addressing these issues requires a hybrid approach that combines decentralized decision-making with centralized oversight to ensure sustainability, accountability, and equity in water governance.

 

4. Key Challenges: Overcoming Barriers to Decentralization

Despite its potential, decentralized water governance faces several key challenges. We must address these issues for the systems to thrive. The most pressing obstacles include funding limitations, regulatory coordination issues, and equity concerns. Addressing these barriers requires strategic financial planning, regulatory reforms, and targeted capacity-building initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of decentralized water systems.

4.1 Funding Limitations: Ensuring Financial Viability of Decentralized Systems

One of the most significant challenges of decentralized water governance is the lack of financial resources at the local level. Decentralized systems require substantial investments in infrastructure, operation, and long-term maintenance, yet many communities—particularly in low-income regions—struggle to generate the necessary funding to sustain these efforts. According to the World Bank (2022), securing stable and diverse funding streams is crucial for the success of decentralized water management systems.

Governments and organizations worldwide have explored several alternative financing mechanisms to address these funding limitations:

• Green Bonds for Water Infrastructure: Green bonds have emerged as an effective tool for financing sustainable water projects. Countries like Colombia and Kenya have successfully issued green bonds to fund decentralized water infrastructure, attracting investment from international financial institutions (World Bank, 2022). These bonds provide low-cost capital for infrastructure development, ensuring that decentralized water systems remain financially sustainable.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): PPPs enable governments and private-sector entities to share responsibilities in financing and managing decentralized water systems. In the Philippines, PPP models have been used to improve water infrastructure in peri-urban areas, allowing communities to benefit from the technical expertise and financial resources of private operators while retaining local governance authority (Asian Development Bank, 2023).
• Micro-Financing for Community Water Initiatives: Micro-financing has proven effective in enabling communities to take ownership of water projects. In Bangladesh, micro-loan programs allow rural cooperatives to construct and maintain small-scale water treatment plants, reducing dependency on external funding (Rahman et al., 2023). By providing accessible and low-interest financing, micro-financing models ensure that local communities remain active participants in water governance.
• Water Tariff Reforms and Performance-Based Subsidies: Establishing progressive water tariffs, where wealthier households pay more for water services, can generate additional revenue for decentralized systems while ensuring affordability for low-income communities. The Ugandan government introduced performance-based subsidies to incentivize local water service providers to improve efficiency and expand coverage to underserved areas( UN-Water, 2023).

For decentralized governance to be financially viable, governments must adopt a hybrid approach that combines public funding, private-sector investment, and innovative financing models. Strengthening financial oversight mechanisms is equally critical to prevent misallocation of funds, and We must ensure that organizations direct resources toward long-term sustainability.

4.2 Regulatory Coordination: Harmonizing Local and National Policies

Another significant obstacle to decentralized governance is the lack of coordination between local and national policies. In many countries, overlapping jurisdictions, conflicting regulations, and unclear institutional roles create confusion and hinder the effective implementation of decentralized water governance.

Warner et al. (2021) emphasize that regulatory coherence is essential for ensuring that decentralized systems function efficiently without interference from national policies. In countries where decentralization has been successful, clear legal frameworks define the division of responsibilities between central and local authorities, ensuring that local governance aligns with national water security goals.

For example, in South Africa, regulatory inconsistencies between local water boards and national policies have led to delays in water infrastructure projects and financial mismanagement (Department of Water and Sanitation, 2023). To mitigate such challenges, governments should:

• Establish clear legal frameworks that define the roles and responsibilities of different governance levels.
• Develop coordination mechanisms to prevent conflicts between decentralized institutions and national regulators.
• Enhance capacity-building initiatives to ensure local governance bodies have the necessary legal and technical expertise to manage water resources effectively.

In a multi-level governance approach, Governments balance local autonomy with national oversight, which is essential to ensure regulatory coherence and effective implementation of decentralized water governance.

4.3 Equity Concerns: Addressing Disparities in Water Access

Decentralized governance has the potential to enhance community participation and local ownership of water resources, but if not carefully implemented, it can also exacerbate existing inequalities. Yu et al. (2012) warn that marginalized communities, particularly in rural and low-income urban areas, may be left behind if decentralization efforts fail to provide equitable access to resources and decision-making power.

A 2023 UN-Water report highlights that while 98% of urban households in South Africa have reliable water services, only 65% of rural communities receive a consistent supply, illustrating how decentralization can sometimes reinforce geographical disparities when local resources are insufficient.

To prevent inequality in decentralized water governance, governments must:

• Ensure that decentralized institutions have equal access to funding and technical support, particularly in underserved communities.
• Implement targeted subsidies and social safety nets to prevent disadvantaged populations from being excluded from water services.
• Strengthen community participation mechanisms, ensuring that decision-making processes include women, indigenous groups, and other vulnerable populations.
• Develop national equity benchmarks to monitor and correct disparities in water service delivery across different regions.

By integrating pro-poor policies and social inclusion measures, decentralized governance can bridge the gap between well-resourced and underserved communities, fostering more significant equity in water access.

4.4   Strategies for Overcoming Decentralization Challenges

To maximize the benefits of decentralized water governance, stakeholders must proactively address its financial, regulatory, and equity-related challenges. Sustainable financing mechanisms, regulatory harmonization, and inclusive governance frameworks are key to ensuring that decentralized water systems function effectively and equitably.

• Diversifying funding sources through green bonds, PPPs, and micro-financing can strengthen the financial sustainability of local water governance.
• Improving policy coordination between national and local authorities can eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies and create a coherent water governance structure.
• Ensuring equity-focused implementation can prevent marginalized communities from being disproportionately affected by decentralization efforts.

By adopting these strategic approaches, decentralized water governance can transition from a promising concept to a resilient and inclusive model for sustainable water management worldwide.

 

5. Methodology: Approaching Decentralized Water Governance Research

To better understand the complexities of decentralized water governance, a multi-faceted research methodology is essential. This article employs a combination of systematic literature review, qualitative case studies, and policy framework analysis to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of decentralized water governance.

The systematic literature review offers a broad understanding of the diverse approaches to decentralized governance across different regions. By analyzing over 100 sources, this approach captures the variety of governance models and their outcomes, offering a comprehensive perspective on the topic.

The qualitative case studies of India, Brazil, and South Africa provide an in-depth examination of localized impacts, contextual factors, and the success and challenges of decentralized water management in these regions. By focusing on specific governance structures and policies, these case studies offer valuable insights into the practical application of decentralized water systems.

Finally, policy framework analysis explores the legal and institutional frameworks that support or hinder decentralized water governance. Understanding the regulatory environment is crucial for evaluating the potential of decentralized systems to achieve sustainability and equity.

 

6. Discussion – Policy Implications and Future Research Directions

The findings of this research have important policy implications for governments considering decentralized water governance as a means of achieving sustainable and equitable water management. Effective decentralization requires the establishment of clear legal frameworks that define the roles and responsibilities of local communities, regional authorities, and national institutions. Additionally, financial and technical support mechanisms must be in place to build local capacity, ensure long-term sustainability, and enable communities to manage water resources efficiently.

6.1 Policy Implications: Aligning Decentralized Governance with Global Policy Frameworks

Key international frameworks reflect the global push toward decentralized water governance, which emphasizes the need for community participation, equity, and climate resilience in water management. Aligning national policies with these frameworks can help governments create coherent, sustainable, and globally integrated water governance systems.

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) – SDG 6 aims to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. Decentralized water governance plays a critical role in achieving this goal by empowering local communities to manage their water resources efficiently, especially in remote and underserved areas. Research from UN-Water (2023) highlights that community-managed water systems can significantly improve service delivery and resilience, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.
• The European Union's Water Framework Directive (2022 Update) – The EU's Water Framework Directive promotes community-based water governance models and requires member states to integrate local stakeholder input into water management plans (European Commission, 2022). Countries such as Germany and the Netherlands have successfully implemented decentralized water governance by giving municipal water councils decision-making power, ensuring that governance is both locally relevant and aligned with national policies.
• Africa Water Vision 2025 – The African Union (2023) has recognized decentralization as a key strategy for water security in rapidly urbanizing regions. The Africa Water Vision 2025 emphasizes integrating traditional community-based water management practices with modern governance models, ensuring that rural and indigenous communities retain autonomy over water resources while receiving necessary technical and financial support.
• The Paris Agreement on Climate Change and Water Security – Climate resilience is an essential component of decentralized water governance. The Paris Agreement (2015) acknowledges that Policymakers must adapt water governance to climate variability and extreme weather events. Decentralized systems allow local communities to respond more rapidly to droughts, floods, and changing precipitation patterns, making them a crucial tool for climate adaptation.

By integrating these global frameworks into national policies, governments can strengthen decentralized governance while ensuring that water management systems remain climate-resilient, equitable, and efficient.

6.2 Future Research Directions: Expanding the Scope of Decentralized Water Governance

While decentralized governance offers numerous benefits, several areas require further research to enhance its effectiveness and scalability. Future research should focus on long-term evaluations, cross-regional comparisons, and technological advancements that can improve decentralized water management systems.

• Longitudinal Studies on Sustainability – Most studies on decentralized water governance focus on short-term impacts. Future research should explore the long-term viability of community-managed water systems, assessing how they adapt to economic, demographic, and environmental changes over time. Examining case studies over 10 to 20 years would provide insights into the real-world challenges and success factors of decentralized governance.
• Cross-Regional Comparisons of Decentralized Models  While Governments and organizations have widely implemented decentralization, its success varies based on political, economic, and geographical factors. A comparative analysis of successful and struggling decentralized water systems across Africa, Asia, and Latin America could help identify best practices and common pitfalls, providing valuable lessons for policymakers.
• Integration of Digital Water Governance Technologies – The role of digital tools in decentralized governance is an emerging area of interest. Technologies such as AI-driven water monitoring, blockchain-based water tracking, and IoT-enabled smart meters are being piloted in several countries to enhance the efficiency of community-managed water systems (Gupta & Verma, 2022). Future research should assess the scalability, affordability, and effectiveness of these technologies, particularly in low-income and rural settings.
• Decentralization in Urban Planning: Blue Buildings and Smart Cities – One promising direction for research is the integration of decentralized systems into urban planning frameworks. The concept of "Blue Buildings" (Samuel et al., 2016) promotes decentralized and integrated water management solutions within urban infrastructure, ensuring that buildings and neighbourhoods have self-sufficient water and wastewater systems. Additionally, the potential of digital water solutions for smart cities (Figueiredo et al., 2021) could provide innovative tools for managing water resources efficiently in decentralized urban environments.

6.3 Moving Forward: Policy and Research for a Sustainable Future

The transition toward decentralized water governance requires collaborative efforts between policymakers, researchers, and local communities. Governments should prioritize decentralized governance models by aligning policies with international frameworks like SDG 6, the EU Water Framework Directive, and Africa Water Vision 2025 while also leveraging technological innovations to enhance governance efficiency.

Future research should focus on long-term impact assessments, digital governance solutions, and decentralized urban planning, ensuring that decentralized water governance remains sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. By addressing these key policy and research challenges, decentralized governance can become a powerful tool for achieving global water security and climate resilience in the 21st century.

 

7. Conclusion: Toward a Sustainable and Technologically Enabled Water Future

Decentralized water governance presents a viable and transformative approach to achieving equitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient water management. By shifting decision-making power to local communities, decentralization enables context-specific solutions that are more adaptable to environmental, social, and economic conditions. However, the effectiveness of decentralized governance depends on the presence of strong institutional support, adequate financial mechanisms, and technical capacity-building initiatives. The challenges of funding limitations and regulatory coordination, as well as governments, must address social equity to ensure that decentralization does not inadvertently deepen disparities in water access.

7.1 Strengthening Policy Commitments to Decentralization

To maximize the benefits of decentralized water governance, governments must prioritize decentralized policies in national water strategies. Aligning these policies with global frameworks such as UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), the European Union's Water Framework Directive (2022), and Africa Water Vision 2025 will ensure that decentralized governance remains consistent with international best practices and sustainability goals.

• Governments must establish transparent legal and regulatory frameworks to define the roles of local, regional, and national authorities.
• Financial sustainability mechanisms, such as green bonds, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and micro-financing models, should be integrated to provide consistent funding for community-led water systems.
• Organizations should expand institutional capacity-building programs to equip local water management authorities with the technical skills needed to sustain decentralized systems over the long term.

7.2 Emerging Technologies: The Future of Decentralized Water Governance

Decentralized water governance can leverage digital innovations to improve efficiency, transparency, and resilience. Future research should explore the potential of:

• AI-driven water monitoring – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Researchers and engineers can use machine learning to analyze real-time data on water consumption, quality, and distribution, allowing for more responsive and adaptive governance (Gupta & Verma, 2022).
• Blockchain for community-led water tracking – Blockchain technology can create secure, decentralized records of water usage and transactions, improving accountability and transparency in local water management (Li & Chen, 2023).
• Smart water grids and IoT-enabled metering – Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can help monitor and optimize decentralized water distribution, particularly in urban areas transitioning to smart city frameworks (Figueiredo et al., 2021).

7.3 Urban Integration: Decentralization as a Pillar of Sustainable Cities

The integration of decentralized water governance into broader urban planning strategies presents a compelling model for the Future. As seen in Nusantara's urban development plan, embedding decentralized water management within smart city frameworks can enhance both water security and climate adaptation strategies. Concepts like "Blue Buildings" (Samuel et al., 2016)—where water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and Builders integrate decentralized wastewater treatment into building designs, offer scalable models for water-resilient urban environments.

7.4 A Call to Action: Advancing Decentralized Water Governance

Decentralized water governance is not a panacea, but it is a necessary and decisive step toward sustainable water management. While financial sustainability and regulatory coherence remain challenges, international case studies demonstrate that well-structured, community-led water systems can significantly enhance water security, equity, and resilience.

Moving forward, governments, researchers, and international organizations must work collaboratively to refine decentralized governance models. Emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and Policymakers should prioritize IoT-driven water management tools in discussions and pilot projects. Additionally, decentralized governance must be mainstreamed into urban planning, ensuring that Urban planners design future cities to be water-secure and climate-resilient.

By integrating legal, financial, technological, and community-driven approaches, decentralized governance can become a transformative force in addressing global water challenges—ensuring that water, as a fundamental human right, is managed sustainably and equitably for generations to come.

 

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