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Global Sustainable Water Management: A Systematic Qualitative Review

Author

Listed:
  • Nuru Hasan

    (Amrita School for Sustainable Development, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham)

  • Raji Pushpalatha

    (Amrita School for Sustainable Development, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham)

  • V. S. Manivasagam

    (Amrita School of Agricultural Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham)

  • Sudha Arlikatti

    (Amrita School for Sustainable Development, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham)

  • Raj Cibin

    (Pennsylvania State University)

Abstract

Water quality and quantity decline due to anthropogenic factors and climate change, affecting 2.3 billion people in water-scarce areas, of whom 733 million reside in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Therefore, this review paper examined sustainable global water management by focussing on four sustainable development goal (SDG #6) indicators, including water use efficiency in agriculture, integrated water management, transboundary water cooperation, and water user participation. The review covered articles from 2016 to 2023, using Scopus and Web of Science databases with specific selection criteria. A total of 216 sources were downloaded, and after data screening, 72 articles were analysed along with additional supplementary materials such as books, conference papers, and United Nations documents. The finding indicates emerging trends in sustainable water management for agriculture, including water-efficient technologies like alternate wetting and drying, drip irrigation, mulching, etc. However, careful implementation is required to address environmental concerns, prevent water pollution, minimise yield reductions, and ensure long-term sustainability. Moreover, integrated water resource management has faced challenges in practical implementation due to governance structures, economic circumstances, cooperation, and collaboration among stakeholders. While over 600 treaties aim to promote international water cooperation, only a few have been effective. In addition, out of 500 transboundary groundwater sources shared by countries, only six have dedicated treaties to govern their use. Thus, clearly defined rights, responsibilities, and sustainable management practises for each shared aquifer would foster the sustainability of these resources. Moreover, engaging communities through inclusive policies, dialogue, and empowerment is vital for sustainable water management. Investment in community education and capacity-building fosters transformative change and addresses global water management challenges, securing the future of precious water resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Nuru Hasan & Raji Pushpalatha & V. S. Manivasagam & Sudha Arlikatti & Raj Cibin, 2023. "Global Sustainable Water Management: A Systematic Qualitative Review," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(13), pages 5255-5272, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:waterr:v:37:y:2023:i:13:d:10.1007_s11269-023-03604-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11269-023-03604-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Babak Zolghadr-Asli & Neil McIntyre & Slobodan Djordjevic & Raziyeh Farmani & Liliana Pagliero, 2025. "How Planning Shared Infrastructure could Support Agriculture and Desalinated Irrigation," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 39(3), pages 1215-1233, February.
    2. Ramon Sala-Garrido & Manuel Mocholi-Arce & Maria Molinos-Senante & Michail Smyrnakis & Alexandros Maziotis, 2023. "Benchmarking the Performance of Productive Units Using Cross-Efficiency Techniques: An Empirical Approach for Water Companies," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(14), pages 5459-5476, November.
    3. Ajay Singh, 2024. "Effective Management of Water Resources Problems in Irrigated Agriculture Through Simulation Modeling," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 38(8), pages 2869-2887, June.

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