A review of domestic water management and adaptive governance in urban Latin America

Abstract The analytical framework of adaptive governance in water management systems points to policy and institutional adjustments needed to increase adaptative capacity in Latin America urban contexts. This paper shows a comprehensive two-phase literature review (2011–2021) analyzing both adaptive...

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Main Authors: Sonia J. Pineda-Morales, Alejandro Ortega-Argueta, Celia Ruiz-de-Oña-Plaza, Antonino García-García, Vera Camacho-Valdéz, Alfonso A. Cortez-Lara
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-08-01
Series:Discover Sustainability
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01643-6
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Summary:Abstract The analytical framework of adaptive governance in water management systems points to policy and institutional adjustments needed to increase adaptative capacity in Latin America urban contexts. This paper shows a comprehensive two-phase literature review (2011–2021) analyzing both adaptive governance research (n = 16) and broader water governance studies (n = 33), related to urban water supply and sanitation management. We examined three key adaptive governance dimensions (bioregional scale, adaptive management and polycentricity) to explain governance systems in the region. The findings showed that adaptive governance approaches provide valuable insights, while some research throw out contextual features to strengthen adaptive dimensions The analysis revealed the different scales at which Latin American problems can be addressed, the scope and limits of knowledge management, as well as a path to rethink integrate water management reforms towards a more polycentric public planning. In research, these findings can help to better capture the processes of resilience, the community knowledge-building and the adaptive management of the commons in the long run.
ISSN:2662-9984