In an era marked by increasing environmental challenges and resource scarcity, the governance of water systems has become a pivotal concern worldwide. A groundbreaking study by Kasuri, Watkins, and Collins, published in Nature Water in 2026, meticulously explores the complex dynamics surrounding Indigenous peoples’ participation in dominant water governance frameworks. This comprehensive systematic review sheds new light on the multifaceted interactions between Indigenous communities and prevailing water management institutions, offering a profound analysis that blends socio-political dimensions with technical governance models.
Water governance, a critical determinant of equitable resource distribution and sustainability, traditionally revolves around multiple stakeholders, including governments, private enterprises, and civil society. However, the integration or, often, exclusion of Indigenous peoples within such systems has been under-examined despite their profound historical and cultural connections to water sources. The study conducted by Kasuri and colleagues addresses this gap by systematically mapping Indigenous involvement across regional and global water governance frameworks, highlighting both successes and persistent barriers to meaningful participation.
One of the pivotal insights from this review is the recognition that Indigenous participation is not monolithic but varies widely across different governance settings. The study underscores the importance of contextual understanding—acknowledging how varying legal structures, policy environments, and cultural frameworks shape Indigenous engagement. The researchers employed rigorous meta-analytical techniques to parse through a vast array of case studies, policy documents, and governance models, enabling a layered understanding of how dominant systems either incorporate or marginalize Indigenous voices.
The technical evaluation reveals that many contemporary water governance models rely heavily on centralized, often technocratic, frameworks ill-suited to accommodate Indigenous perspectives. These systems typically prioritize quantitative resource management metrics, such as allocation efficiency, hydrological data modeling, and infrastructure optimization. In contrast, Indigenous governance approaches emphasize relationality, holistic stewardship, and intergenerational responsibility—principles that challenge prevailing technocratic paradigms but are essential for sustainable water management practices.
Kasuri et al. also delve deeply into legal frameworks impacting Indigenous participation, noting that while numerous international treaties and declarations endorse the rights of Indigenous peoples regarding natural resources, their translation into enforceable national policies remains fraught. The study highlights the discordance between declarative legal instruments, such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the implementation mechanisms at the local and regional governance levels. This regulatory mismatch often results in tokenistic inclusion or consultative roles devoid of substantive decision-making power.
Another significant finding revolves around the processes of co-governance and collaborative water management regimes. These models ostensibly offer promising avenues for Indigenous communities to engage more directly in water governance. However, the researchers caution that successful co-governance requires not only power-sharing arrangements but also the dismantling of entrenched institutional hierarchies. Technical interventions in collaborative governance often stumble over challenges in reconciling differing epistemologies: Western scientific methods versus Indigenous knowledge systems.
The review further underscores that technological tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), hydrological modeling, and integrated water resource management platforms, can be transformative if co-developed with Indigenous stakeholders. When Indigenous knowledge systems are integrated into such technological frameworks, there is potential for more inclusive, adaptive, and culturally respectful water governance. However, the technical praxis of embedding Indigenous narratives and epistemologies into quantitative models remains underdeveloped and requires sustained interdisciplinary innovation.
On the socio-political front, the study assesses how historical marginalization, colonial legacies, and systemic inequalities continue to impede Indigenous agency in water governance. These factors are not merely historical antecedents but active forces shaping governance landscapes today. The presence of entrenched power asymmetries and limited access to political arenas often restrict Indigenous influence, further exacerbated by resource extraction interests and competing economic priorities.
Kasuri and colleagues emphasize the necessity for transformative institutional reforms that go beyond procedural inclusion. They argue for a paradigm shift toward genuine recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in water governance processes. Such a shift demands reconceptualizing governance metrics to prioritize social equity, ecosystem health, and cultural continuity, rather than solely focusing on economic or technical efficiency.
Importantly, the study offers a robust framework to evaluate Indigenous participation, rooted in both qualitative and quantitative dimensions. This framework includes criteria such as the degree of decision-making power, respect for traditional knowledge, legal recognition, and the extent of collaborative partnerships. This facilitates a more standardized yet context-sensitive assessment, which was previously fragmented across disparate case studies and disciplinary silos.
The implications of this systematic review extend beyond academic discourse and technical analyses; they invite policymakers, water managers, and Indigenous leaders to engage in constructive dialogues aimed at empowerment and co-creation. By highlighting best practices and identifying systemic barriers, the study paves the way for more equitable and sustainable water governance arrangements that can adapt to the complex realities of a rapidly changing environmental and socio-political world.
Technological advancements, such as remote sensing and digital participatory platforms, present novel opportunities for enhancing Indigenous participation. The authors note that these tools must be deployed thoughtfully to ensure accessibility and respect for Indigenous data sovereignty. Innovations in blockchain technology and secure data governance could further democratize water management information, fostering transparency and trust among stakeholders.
The research also emphasizes the critical role of education and capacity-building initiatives tailored to Indigenous communities. Strengthening technical expertise and governance competencies within Indigenous groups enables more effective negotiations and participation in dominant water governance systems. Concurrently, education within water management institutions about Indigenous histories, rights, and knowledge systems is essential to dismantling prejudicial barriers.
Drawing from a synthesis of global case studies, Kasuri et al. reveal that successful Indigenous participation often correlates with inclusive policy frameworks, secure land and water tenure, and robust intercultural governance mechanisms. These factors collectively foster environments where Indigenous communities can exercise stewardship aligned with their cultural values, contributing to resilience against the dual challenges of climate change and socio-economic pressures.
Ultimately, the systematic review culminates in a call for integrated frameworks that balance technical expertise with Indigenous wisdom, forging hybrid governance models capable of addressing contemporary water crises. This holistic approach, grounded in mutual respect and shared goals, offers a blueprint for reimagining water governance not as a zero-sum arena but as a collaborative space where diverse knowledge systems coexist and thrive.
Kasuri, Watkins, and Collins’ pioneering work thus represents a significant advancement in the understanding of Indigenous peoples’ participation in dominant water governance. Its comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach provides both critical insight and practical pathways to catalyze transformative change in how water resources are managed globally. As water governance continues to evolve amidst unprecedented challenges, this research underscores the indispensable role of Indigenous participation in achieving equitable, sustainable, and culturally attuned solutions.
Subject of Research: Indigenous peoples’ participation in dominant systems of water governance
Article Title: A systematic review of Indigenous peoples’ participation in dominant systems of water governance
Article References:
Kasuri, L., Watkins, S. & M. Collins, A. A systematic review of Indigenous peoples’ participation in dominant systems of water governance. Nat Water (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-025-00580-y
Image Credits: AI Generated
