About this Research Topic

Background

Sustainable water resources management is a critical field that addresses the ownership, allocation, and management of water resources to ensure their long-term viability. The increasing demands on water, uneven distribution, climate change impacts, and multi-level competition necessitate a nuanced approach to governance. Water conflicts, ranging from local disputes to transboundary clashes, often revolve around competing interests such as agriculture, industry, domestic use, energy, and environmental conservation. These conflicts lead to socio-economic losses, community displacement, food and water insecurity, and environmental degradation. Recent studies highlight the escalation of water conflicts due to challenges in accessibility, resource management, infrastructure, clean water availability, reservoir operation, irrigation, groundwater use, and surface water transfer. Despite these challenges, there is a growing body of evidence showcasing successful examples of sustainable water resource management, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions and practical approaches to address these issues effectively.

This research topic aims to explore diverse dimensions of water rights and conflicts with a particular emphasis on practical examples and best practice approaches. It strives to spotlight sustainable practices, investigate integrated management and sustainable use of water resources, and explore governance and policies that maintain the ecological balance of water ecosystems. Additionally, it aims to foster innovation by exploring new technologies and practices for water management and integrating interdisciplinary research to address complex water-related challenges effectively.

To gather further insights into sustainable water resources management, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Water Resources Management: Practical strategies, frameworks, and best practices for sustainable water resource management.
- Transboundary Water Conflicts: Analysis, resolution, and prevention, with a focus on successful case studies.
- Water Governance and Social Impacts: Examination of policies, societal implications, compliance mechanisms, and their practical applications.
- Technological Innovations for Water Management: Exploration of emerging technologies, integration into water management practices, and their demonstrated benefits.
- Climate-Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Investigate interconnected challenges and practical, interdisciplinary solutions.
- Geographical Understandings of Water: Regional perspectives on water challenges and their global implications.
- Water Economics and Policy: In-depth financial insights, regulations, and practical policy-making considerations.
- Case Studies and Best Practices: Showcase real-world examples, successes, and lessons learned to emphasize practical applications and good practices.

The ambition of this research topic extends beyond academic exploration. It aims to serve as a catalyst for global change in the way we perceive, manage, and resolve water-related conflicts and challenges within the broader, interconnected context of the global landscape. The collective insights gathered will inform policy, inspire innovation, and drive a sustainable future for water resource management across different regions and contexts worldwide. By fostering a cohesive interdisciplinary dialogue, it provides a roadmap for achieving Sustainable Development Goals in our ever-changing water resource landscape.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Water management, Water allocation, Water governance, Water disputes, Transboundary Water, Integrated Water Resources Management, Policy Development, Sustainable Water Use, Equity in Water Use, Social Justice in Water Allocation, Climate Change Impacts on Water Conflicts

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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