Analyzing complex water governance regimes

Pahl-Wostl, Claudia; Holtz, Georg; Kastens, Britta; Knieper, Christian. (2010) Analyzing complex water governance regimes: the Management and Transition Framework. Environmental Science & Policy Volume 13, Issue 7, November 2010, Pages 571-581

Pahl-Wostl, Holtz, Kastens & Knieper presented a description of the Management and Transition Framework (MTF) which is proposed as a method for analyzing the development of watershed plans.  It could be used for a multitude of governance systems but was developed specifically for creating a database of coherent applications for watershed governance comparisons.  For example, they noted that "Folke et al. (2005) point[s] out that adaptive governance systems often self-organize as social networks with actor groups that draw on various knowledge systems and experiences for the development of a common understanding and policies."  Thus, a interdisciplinary system for context specific evaluations was needed as Pahl-Wostl et al. defined here:

Management and Transition Framework (MTF) that has been developed to support the analysis of water systems and management (Pahl-Wostl et al., 2007a,c).  The MTF is an interdisciplinary conceptual and methodological framework that supports the understanding of water systems and management regimes and transition processes towards more adaptive management.

The Pahl-Wostl et al. review of MTF summarized key thematic areas:

• adaptive management and characteristics of adaptive water management regimes,
• social learning and regime transitions,
• the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework analyse collective choice process.

Each of these areas were defined in context of water resource governance referring to literature for specific examples for setting the framework for the MTF analysis.  The actual framework for MTF evolved from the specific processes, structures and conditions for watershed governance which are represented in a graphical representation using a "unified modeling language."  Thus, every relationship and governance structure is represented in a formal diagram to show the activities and cycles used in the management processes.  Each step of the management process development would require more a detailed MTF to study related problems and analysis.

The MTF has specific classes and attributes which are used to define relationships.  Relationship diagrams are developed with defined terms for each component.  Here is an example Diagram (See Fig 1 at right) with some significant process terms used:

• ‘Water System’ which comprises all environmental and human
  components.
• ‘Ecological System’ class comprises abiotic and biotic
  components of the water system.
• ‘Environmental Services’ capture the function of an ecological system as provider of different kinds of services for
  human activities.
• ‘Environmental Hazards’ are the threats that an ecological system poses to a societal system.
• ‘Technical infrastructure’ refers to infrastructure of relevance for the water management issue under concern.
• ‘Action Arena’ is an issue specific political arena focused on a societal function.
• ‘Action Situation’ is a structured social interaction context that leads to specific outcomes.

This system provides a criteria for multiple situations to be documented and reviewed with through similar references to create a database of analysis.  Thus, with following a defined system the various management systems can be equally evaluated.  This defined systems includes: 1. Strategic goal setting, 2. Assess current state, 3. Policy formation, 4. Developing operational goals, 5. Developing measures, 6. Implementation, 7. Monitoring. 

Finally, the MTF allows for the collection of standard data on these processes to assess further developments.  Systems can be standardized and evaluated.  In conclusion Pahl-Wostl et al. "planned to further develop and implement a global database of river governance and management regimes and meanwhile evaluating and revising the framework."