title: Science-policy processes for transboundary water governance.
abstract: In this policy perspective, we outline several conditions to support effective science-policy interaction, with a particular emphasis on improving water governance in transboundary basins. Key conditions include (1) recognizing that science is a crucial but bounded input into water resource decision-making processes; (2) establishing conditions for collaboration and shared commitment among actors; (3) understanding that social or group-learning processes linked to science-policy interaction are enhanced through greater collaboration; (4) accepting that the collaborative production of knowledge about hydrological issues and associated socioeconomic change and institutional responses is essential to build legitimate decision-making processes; and (5) engaging boundary organizations and informal networks of scientists, policy makers, and civil society. We elaborate on these conditions with a diverse set of international examples drawn from a synthesis of our collective experiences in assessing the opportunities and constraints (including the role of power relations) related to governance for water in transboundary settings.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Change & Governance Group, Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada, derek.armitage@uwaterloo.ca.
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Armitage
authors.forename: Rob C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: de Loë
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Tom W D
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Andrea K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Gerlak
authors.forename: Roland I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Dave
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Huitema
authors.forename: Ray
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ison
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Livingstone
authors.forename: Glen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: MacDonald
authors.forename: Naho
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mirumachi
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Plummer
authors.forename: Brent B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Wolfe
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D058735:Environmental Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D033161:Government Regulation; D013219:State Government; D062066:Water Resources / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*