The Global Web of National Water Security (original) (raw)

This paper explores the reasons why efforts to attain water security by states and the international water policy community often fall short of their goals, and suggests a conceptual tool as partial remedy. The main shortcomings of prevailing water security policy and thinking are found to stem from narrow and determinist analysis that is based on a separation of physical and social processes of water resources and use. Policy is found to place undue confidence in flawed methods and thresholds related to physical water scarcity, and to ignore the more influential social processes involved. Water resources are also found to be treated in isolation, as if independent of the food, climate or energy security of individuals, communities and states. The 'web' of water security introduced here emphasises combined readings of the social and physical processes that enable or prevent national water security. These processes are mediated by a socioeconomic and political context replete with power asymmetries such that water security for some rests on the water insecurity of others. Sustainable national water security in the long term, it is suggested, will be guided by principles of balance between related security areas, and equitability of distribution of resources between the actors involved. Policy Implications • Water security policy recommendations based on environmentally determinist analysis are often narrow, and should be evaluated as potentially interested and liable to lead only to short-term selective water security. • Long-term national water security policy should seek a balance between natural 'security resources' (food, water, energy, climate) and equitability between the individuals, communities and states involved. • The development of water security policy should expand beyond biophysical considerations to incorporate options stemming from related social processes, such as human agency, livelihoods and capacity for adaptation. • Long-term national water security will be served through harmonisation of policy across sectors, for example between ministries of water resources, trade and foreign affairs.