Water Policy Briefings

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Water Governance In The Mekong Region: The Need For More Informed Policy-Making

Recent reviews of water and irrigation policies in six Mekong countries have shown that ready-made ‘blueprint’ approaches are fast becoming the norm. These are based on so-called ‘modern’ and internationally promoted ‘best practices’. Yet all too often they fail to deliver. Why? Because these top-down approaches ignore local systems and hinder the natural evolution of a locally appropriate mix of community, state and private management. To succeed, policies need to be tailored to political, economic, social and cultural realities on the ground.

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Home > Research Themes > Theme 1 - Basin Water Management > Water Policy Briefings