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TitleGovernance, sustainability and decision making in water and sanitation management systems
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsIribarnegaray, MA, Seghezzo, L
Paginationp. 2922 - 2945; 3 fig.; 2 tab.
Date Published2012-11-05
PublisherMolecular Diversity Preservation International, Water Editorial Office, MDPI
Place PublishedBasel, Switzerland
Keywordsargentina salta province, decision making, governance, sustainability, water management
Abstract

Explored are the connections between the concepts of governance and sustainability and discussed are their possible roles in water and sanitation management systems (WSMS). Governance can be seen as a decision-making process that drives the relationship between social institutions and the public affairs of a given society. Sustainability can be seen as a combination of spatial, temporal, and personal aspects, and we argue that this definition is more comprehensive than the traditional triple bottom line of economy, environment, and society. These two concepts are combined into a new conceptual framework of “governance for sustainability” that is theoretically sound and arguably appropriate to understand local WSMS. To illustrate this framework, a Sustainable Water Governance Index (SWGI) is developed and estimated for the city of Salta, Argentina. This aggregated index was calculated with data from literature, information from the city’s water company and other local institutions, field visits, and interviews. The SWGI for Salta obtained an overall score of 49 on a 0–100 scale, which fell into the “danger” range. The advantages and limitations of the method are discussed and concluded is that aggregated indices such as the SWGI, complemented with contextual
information, can be a helpful decision-making tool to promote more sustainable WSMS. [authors abstract]

NotesWith 85 references on p. 2941 - 2945

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