Introduction

As described above, there is no agreed blueprint for governance analysis in the TDA/SAP process. Consequently, this section focuses on approaches for governance in both marine systems, and surface water and groundwaters that are already in existence and have proven to be practical and effective.

Marine systems (LME’s, enclosed seas)

The LME concept, currently being applied to 16 international projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe uses a five module approach (productivity, fish and fisheries, pollution and ecosystem health, socio-economics, and governance).  The LME governance module has been much-studied and has produced a number of well written and substantive frameworks, handbooks and manuals. Two are described Here together with two governance reports for the Yellow Sea LME and the Caribbean LME TDA/SAP processes. Both are examples of good practice in action.

Surface water and groundwater systems (Rivers, lakes, aquifers)

Although there is no definitive approach to governance analysis, there are a number of examples of good practice in surface water and groundwater systems.  Two examples include:

The Danube River Basin Transboundary Analysis (2006)– The Danube Transboundary Analysis was based on extensive work undertaken by the countries in meeting the European Union Water Framework Directive. It presents a simple, yet logical analysis of institutions, legislation and investment needs within the Danube River Basin.

Kura-Aras River Basin Legal and Institutional Framework for the Water Sector in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Georgia (2005)– This report was prepared within the UNDP/GEF Project on Reducing Transboundary Degradation in Kura-Aras Basin and reviews the legal and institutional framework of the water sector in the Kura-Aras basin countries. It analyzes the existing strengths and weaknesses, and proposes some measures to improve water management in the riparian countries. An emphasis was focused on regional cooperation from a transboundary perspective, rather then looking at countries as separate entities.

In the last decade, a number of studies on lake governance have been carried.  The International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) has produced a number of well-written and substantive reports and manuals. These include: Managing lakes and their Basins for Sustainable Use: A Report for Lake Basin Managers and Stakeholders. This report derives lake based management lessons (including governance challenges) from a range of GEF funded projects. The experiences gained from the lake projects reviewed in this report have provided a great deal of new information, particularly in an area that had been relatively poorly studied in the past.

In addition there are useful governance resources available including the 2009 IUCN Reforming Water Governance document.