The recommendations of the STEER research project are intended to help solve complex resource problems. They deal with water pollution from agriculture (DE) or mining (Mongolia), water scarcity (Spain, Iran), natural river reconstruction (DE) and the involvement of non-governmental actors (SA).
The STEER research project developed solutions for coping with complex water resource problems in selected regions. One focus was how innovative forms of cooperation and coordination can improve the cross-sector governance of water resources in order to better achieve the goals of integrated water management.
Central to the STEER activities was the application of a diagnostic approach; this made it possible to investigate the interaction of elements of the water governance and management system as well as the social and ecological context. In this way, the project can help determine the cause of complex water resource problems – and identify potential solutions. The project involved six in-depth case studies with partners from the following locations and with the following priorities:
- Emscher (Germany): river reconstruction and renaturation
- Guadalquivir (Spain): reduction of agricultural water consumption
- Kharaa-Yeroo (Mongolia): reduction of mining-related contamination of water resources
- uMngeni (South Africa): dual (traditional and western) governance of land and water resources
- Weser-Ems (Germany): management of the water-energy-food nexus to reduce diffuse groundwater pollution
- Zayandeh Rud (Iran): interregional competition for scarce water resources
Based on the case studies, recommendations for improving cooperation and coordination in the in-depth case studies were developed. They are transferable to similar contexts. The recommendations appeared in the publications “Briefing Paper” (in English) and “Analyses and Statements” (in German) of the German Development Institute.
