Assessment of Water Resource Governance Status in the Ilam Dam Watershed

فصلنامه آب و توسعه پایدار

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 15 August 2025

Document Type: Applied Article

Authors

Ehsan Fathi¹; Mohammadreza Ekhtesasi^{* 2}; Ali Talebi³; Jamal Mosaffaie⁴

¹PhD Student in Watershed Science and Engineering, Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Desertology, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.

²Faculty of Natural Resources and Desertology, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.

³Professor, Rangeland and Watershed Department, Faculty of Natural Resources and Desertology, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.

⁴Associate Professor, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute, Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study investigates the state of water resource governance in the Ilam Dam watershed. Water resource governance is a multifaceted concept involving interactions between institutional factors, public support, and adaptability to future changes. To evaluate these factors, questionnaires were designed and distributed among three main groups: managers, experts, and watershed residents. The results from the data analysis indicate that in terms of public support, the average scores given by managers, experts, and residents were 3.92, 3.84, and 3.75, respectively, indicating a good status but highlighting the need for increased awareness and more active public participation. The institutional factor, with average scores of 3.62 for managers and experts and 3.50 for residents, also shows a good status. These results reflect the relative efficiency of existing institutions, but there is a need for further strengthening, increased transparency, and accountability. The adaptability factor, with average scores of 3.98 for managers, 3.86 for experts, and 3.57 for residents, indicates a relatively good ability to face future changes and challenges. However, the lower scores from residents highlight the need for greater focus on empowering the local community and improving early warning systems. According to the results, the overall state of water governance from the perspective of managers, experts, and residents of the watershed was evaluated as good, with scores of 3.84, 3.77, and 3.60, respectively. Enhancing public engagement, strengthening managerial institutions, and improving the adaptive capacities of the local community can contribute to better water resource governance and sustainable development.

Keywords

Adaptability; Institutional factors; Public support; Water governance; Watershed

References