Water systems are typically complex, with the relationship between water and development being particularly dynamic. In this context, conflicts are increasingly determining the interactions between water policy and governance. Working in partnership, SaciWATERs focuses on the characteristics of water institutions in South Asia, evaluates their influence on reform processes, analyses disputes over divergent water uses and assesses the impact of salient actors in promoting or obstructing institutional change.
The expansion of the urban metropolises into rural regions has led to the creation of buffer zones or peri-urban regions around these big cities. These zones experience a unique process of urbanization that alters the dynamics of migration, employment and, most importantly, the use of natural resources. Recognizing this as a significant area of research, SaciWATERs works with partners to study the peri-urban areas of some major cities of South Asia. In particular, the change in water use strategies, water governance structures, water pollution, and spatial flows of water are being studied.
Climate change events in the region, coupled with population growth, are degrading natural resources while making South Asia particularly vulnerable to conflict. As climate change impacts finely balanced social, economic and ecological systems adversely, ripple effects are already being felt in terms of negative pressures on food security, livelihood security and energy security. Acknowledging this, SaciWATERs works to transform existing paradigms in natural resource management, simultaneously considering climate change mitigation and adaptation with food, energy and livelihood optimization strategies.