Saving the Baby While Discarding the Bathwater: the application of policy coherence for development analysis to payment for watershed services

One of the most debated tools for the implementation of sustainable development is “payment for ecosystem services”, of which “payment for watershed services” (PWS) is one of the most developed. While proponents argue that such payments provide market value to the services that ecosystems provide for development, opponents claim that this approach commodifies the environment and promotes inequalities. This article presents an analysis of PWS programs by applying methodologies based on policy coherence for development (PCD), defined as a policy tool aimed at eliminating incoherence within sustainable development strategies that undermine their effectiveness as well as between such strategies and other policy arenas, which are also considered harmful to sustainability. By employing a PCD methodology, the article aims to identify policy mechanisms that undermine PWS programs so that stakeholders can make adjustments, thus, metaphorically ensuring that “the baby” (PWS) is not discarded with “the bathwater” (policy incoherence for sustainable development)

Analizando las dinámicas de la paz hídrica interestatal: un estudio de las tranferencias del Huitzilapan a Xalapa

This article examines the political conflict surrounding the interstate transfer of water in the Huitzilapan-Xalapa Aqueduct, from which about 60% of the water resources for the city of Xalapa, state capital of Veracruz, come. This interstate water transfer has eventually lead to political and social conflict based on misinformation about perceived water shortages to Xalapa. The article examines a case in which water officials from Xalapa have apparently complied with guidelines related to procedural, distributive, and ecological justice. Therefore, the article proposes a focus on «justice as responsible (and informed) dialogue» as a central element of procedural justice. The analysis is based on a review of official documents, such as Mexican water laws and the water concession under which this water transfer has occurred, press reviews published in regional newspapers, a field visit and interviews with key stakeholders and researchers mostly in Veracruz state.Este artículo examina el conflicto politico en torno a la transferencia de agua interestatal que se da a través del acueducto Huitzilapan-Xalapa, el cual provee aproximadamente el 60% del agua que requiere la ciudad de Xalapa, capital del estado de Veracruz. Esta transferencia de agua interestatal, en algunas ocasiones, ha originado conflictos políticos y sociales con base en información aparentemente errónea y percepciones de escasez de agua en Xalapa. Este artículo examina un caso en el que los funcionarios del agua de Xalapa parecen haber cumplido con los lineamientos establecidos desde el punto de vista de la justicia ecológica, distributiva y procesual. Por lo que en este trabajo se propone enfocar a «la justicia como un diálogo responsable (e informado)» como elemento central de la justicia procesual. El análisis se sustenta en la revisión de documentos oficiales, tales como las leyes de aguas nacionales y la asignación de agua bajo la cual se ha dado la transferencia, así como revisión de notas de prensa publicadas en periódicos regionales, una visita de campo y entrevistas con grupos de interés clave e investigadores, la mayoría de ellos del estado de Veracruz

The EU and The Human Right to Water and Sanitation: Normative Coherence as the Key to Transformative Development

Abstract The year 2015 is supposed to be a seminal moment in the international sustainable development agenda. World leaders are negotiating the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda and the European Union has declared 2015 to be the 'European Year for Development'. The Post-2015 agenda is supposed to be characterized by more 'transformative' development strategies. Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) is considered to be an important tool for the establishment of 'transformative' development. This article examines EU development programmes in the field of water. It contends that even though the EU is a world leader in global water and sanitation programmes, its approach to development is not coherent with transformative change because these strategies employ PCD as a technical policy tool. Instead, the article contends that transformative development requires 'normative coherence for development' defined as coherence between strategies in development and non-development policy arenas and core democratic norms, such as human rights. L'année 2015 est censée être un moment charnière dans l'agenda du développement international durable. Les dirigeants du monde sont en train de négocier l'ordre du jour de l'après-Objectifs Millénaire du Développement (OMD) et l'Union européenne (UE) a déclaré que 2015 sera «l'Année européenne pour le développement.' Le programme de l'après-2015 est censé être caractérisé par plusieurs stratégies de développement «transformatrices». La cohérence des politiques pour le développement (CPD) est considérée comme un outil important pour la mise en place d'un développement «transformateur». Cet article examine les programmes de développement de l'UE dans le domaine de l'eau. Il soutient que même si l'UE est un leader mondial en ce qui concerne les programmes d'eau et d'assainissement mondiaux, son approche du développement n'est pas cohérente avec le changement transformateur parce que ces stratégies emploient la CPD comme un outil de politique technique. Au lieu de cela, l'article soutient que le développement transformateur exige une 'cohérence normative pour le développement» définie comme la cohérence entre les stratégies de développement et les domaines de la politique de non-développement et des normes démocratiques fondamentales, comme les droits humains

Original Article The EU and The Human Right to Water and Sanitation: Normative Coherence as the Key to Transformative Development

Abstract The year 2015 is supposed to be a seminal moment in the international sustainable development agenda. World leaders are negotiating the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda and the European Union has declared 2015 to be the 'European Year for Development'. The Post-2015 agenda is supposed to be characterized by more 'transformative' development strategies. Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) is considered to be an important tool for the establishment of 'transformative' development. This article examines EU development programmes in the field of water. It contends that even though the EU is a world leader in global water and sanitation programmes, its approach to development is not coherent with transformative change because these strategies employ PCD as a technical policy tool. Instead, the article contends that transformative development requires 'normative coherence for development' defined as coherence between strategies in development and non-development policy arenas and core democratic norms, such as human rights. L'année 2015 est censée être un moment charnière dans l'agenda du développement international durable. Les dirigeants du monde sont en train de négocier l'ordre du jour de l'après-Objectifs Millénaire du Développement (OMD) et l'Union européenne (UE) a déclaré que 2015 sera «l'Année européenne pour le développement.' Le programme de l'après-2015 est censé être caractérisé par plusieurs stratégies de développement «transformatrices». La cohérence des politiques pour le développement (CPD) est considérée comme un outil important pour la mise en place d'un développement «transformateur». Cet article examine les programmes de développement de l'UE dans le domaine de l'eau. Il soutient que même si l'UE est un leader mondial en ce qui concerne les programmes d'eau et d'assainissement mondiaux, son approche du développement n'est pas cohérente avec le changement transformateur parce que ces stratégies emploient la CPD comme un outil de politique technique. Au lieu de cela, l'article soutient que le développement transformateur exige une 'cohérence normative pour le développement» définie comme la cohérence entre les stratégies de développement et les domaines de la politique de non-développement et des normes démocratiques fondamentales, comme les droits humains

Analyzing the Dynamics of Inter-state water peace: A study of the Huitzilapan-Xalapa Water Transfers

This article examines the political conflict surrounding the interstate transfer of water in the Huitzilapan-Xalapa Aqueduct, from which about 60% of the water resources for the city of Xalapa, state capital of Veracruz, come. This interstate water transfer has eventually lead to political and social conflict based on misinformation about perceived water shortages to Xalapa. The article examines a case in which water officials from Xalapa have apparently complied with guidelines related to procedural, distributive, and ecological justice. Therefore, the article proposes a focus on «justice as responsible (and informed) dialogue» as a central element of procedural justice. The analysis is based on a review of official documents, such as Mexican water laws and the water concession under which this water transfer has occurred, press reviews published in regional newspapers, a field visit and interviews with key stakeholders and researchers mostly in Veracruz state

Paz ambiental transfronteriza» como interacción de normas regionales y poder local: Lecciones desde análisis y debates transregionales sobre seguridad hídrica

This article contends that notions of «peace» and «justice» in cross-border water management vary in different world regions. Moreover, it argues that «peace» and «justice» can be explained by analyzing the interaction between «regional» interpretations and implementation of water security norms and local cross-border power structures. «Regional water security» is defined as the normative commitment to provide necessary water resources to communities within world regions. «Power,» which is defined traditionally as «the ability of actors to obtain their objectives despite opposition» is viewed as a function of political entrepreneurialism and opportunity structures. This article derives from a review of the pertinent literatures on «water security» and «water justice,» the two elements of «water peace» as well as scholarship on cross-border water management in different world regions. It discusses water governance within the framework of cross-border politics and comparative regional integration. It also includes analysis of the policy documents and websites of seventeen regional organizations as well as interviews with key actors and local experts on water management in specific cross-border case studies. The article is divided into five sections. Following this introduction, part two examines «water security» and «water justice» in international affairs. Part III then discusses «power» in cross-border water governance debates and addresses the transnational face of water security discussions. Part IV presents a comparative examination of cross-border «water justice» in selected world regions which is followed by theoretical considerations that are addressed in part V, the conclusion. In general, the article emphasizes the need to promote comparative cross-regional research on cross-border water governance in order to examine how «peace,» «security» and «justice» are framed in debates over water resources

Detrás de la ventana: Percibir los contextos urbanos y biodiversos durante el confinamiento voluntario, debido a la pandemia por COVID-19

La emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19 ha propiciado cambios vertiginosos en la movilidad de las personas, desde confinamiento obligatorio en algunos países, hasta el confinamiento voluntario, como es el caso de México. Las maneras de enfrentar el confinamiento voluntario dependen de los contextos habitados. En esta investigación, a través de una encuesta remota, nos aproximamos a las percepciones de 132 ciudadanos de Xalapa y Coatepec, durante abril y mayo de 2020, con relación a los contextos boscosos o rurales y urbanos habitados, mientras transcurre el confinamiento voluntario. Los resultados nos indican que los habitantes de estas ciudades disfrutan el entorno que habitan, conocen el tipo de vegetación que les rodea y consideran que tienen espacio suficiente afuera de sus casas, a través de cuyas ventanas ven árboles, entre los cuales destacan los árboles frutales. Además, reportan que lo que más disfrutan de los contextos habitados durante el confinamiento voluntario es a la familia, la tranquilidad y la naturaleza; en cambio, no disfrutan no poder ver amigos y no visitar a la familia. Discutimos si Xalapa y Coatepec pudieran ser modelos de ciudades cuyas características biodiversas resulten significativas en cuanto a los beneficios ecosistémicos asociados con el bienestar humano en crisis sanitarias como la causada por COVID-19

Olhares do arquipélago da floresta nublada de Xalapa, através da fotografia participativa

We explored the perceptions about the cloud forest, through participatory photography (photovoice). In this process, we highlight the perceived ecosystem services: cultural, provision (provisioning), support, and regulation, registered in the image and in the collective voice. We discussed two main advantages of the use of photography. First, it can be used to evoke reflections, considering the image as the center. Second, participants can record photos quickly and easily using mobile phones. In this way, we explored the emerging possibilities of mobile media in the domain of art, and its potential to make various environmental aspects visible. Methods included participatory photography workshops, 16 participants, and 120 photographs registered. We collectively selected 30 images, discussed the contrasts, and assigned meanings. The speeches were recorded and systematized with prior authorization (written consent). We used thematic analysis from an interpretive approach, and we codified the contents based on ecosystem services. In the results, we highlight four relevant aspects, 1. The affinity with cultural ecosystem services, 2. The valuation of se based on social heterogeneity, 3. The sense of belonging and identity with the inhabited territory, and 4. The synergy between art and culture. citizen socio-environmental education. We show trends, categories, and contrasts in the photographs, and we highlight the meanings in relevant textual fragments. Outstandingly, the participants discussed the problems associated with the cloud forest, and proposed solutions to improve human relations with the natural environment.Exploramos las percepciones sobre los servicios ecosistémicos (se) del bosque de niebla, a través de la fotografía participativa (photovoice). En este proceso, resaltamos los servicios culturales, provisión (aprovisionamiento), soporte y regulación, registrados en la imagen y en la voz colectiva. Discutimos dos principales ventajas con el uso de la fotografía. Primero, que puede ser utilizada para evocar reflexiones, considerando la imagen como centro de discusión; segundo, los participantes pueden registrar fotografías de manera inmediata usando los teléfonos móviles. De este modo, exploramos las posibilidades emergentes de la creación fotográfica, y su potencial para visibilizar diversos aspectos ambientales. La metodología incluyó un taller de fotografía participativa donde colaboraron 16 personas con 120 fotografías registradas; en colectivo seleccionamos 30 imágenes, y discutimos sobre los contrastes y significados asignados. Los discursos fueron registrados, grabados y sistematizados con previa autorización (consentimiento por escrito). Utilizamos análisis temático, desde un enfoque interpretativo, y codificamos los contenidos partiendo de los servicios ecosistémicos. En los resultados, destacamos cuatro aspectos relevantes, 1. La afinidad con los servicios ecosistémicos culturales, 2. La valoración de se a partir de heterogeneidad social, 3. El sentido de pertenencia e identidad con el territorio habitado, y 4. La sinergia entre la creación fotográfica y la educación eco ciudadana. Mostramos tendencias, y contrastes en las fotografías, y resaltamos los significados en fragmentos textuales de relevancia. De manera sobresaliente, los participantes abordaron los problemas asociados al bosque de niebla y propusieron soluciones para mejorar las relaciones humanas con el entorno natural.Exploramos as percepções sobre a floresta nublada, por meio da fotografia participativa (photovoice). Nesse processo, destacam-se os serviços ecossistêmicos percebidos: culturais, provisão (provisionamento), apoio e regulação, registrados na imagem e na voz coletiva. Discutimos duas vantagens principais do uso da fotografia. Primeiro, pode ser usado para evocar reflexões, considerando a imagem como centro. Em segundo lugar, os participantes podem gravar fotos de forma rápida e fácil usando telefones celulares. Dessa forma, exploramos as novas possibilidades emergentes da mídia móvel no domínio da arte, e seu potencial para visibilizar diversos aspectos ambientais. Os métodos incluíram oficinas de fotografia participativa, 16 participantes e 120 fotografias cadastradas. Selecionamos coletivamente 30 imagens, discutimos os contrastes e atribuímos significados. As falas foram gravadas e sistematizadas mediante autorização prévia (consentimento por escrito). Utilizamos a análise temática a partir de uma abordagem interpretativa e codificamos os conteúdos com base nos serviços ecossistêmicos. Nos resultados, destacamos quatro aspectos relevantes, 1. A afinidade com os serviços ecossistêmicos culturais, 2. A valorização do se a partir da heterogeneidade social, 3. O sentimento de pertencimento e identidade com o território habitado, e 4. A sinergia entre a arte e cultura. educação socioambiental cidadã. Mostramos tendências, categorias e contrastes nas fotografias e destacamos os significados em fragmentos textuais relevantes. Notavelmente, os participantes discutiram os problemas associados à floresta nublada e propuseram soluções para melhorar as relações humanas com o ambiente natural

Transforming European Water Governance? Participation and River Basin Management under the EU Water Framework Directive in 13 Member States

The European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires EU member states to produce and implement river basin management plans, which are to be designed and updated via participatory processes that inform, consult with, and actively involve all interested stakeholders. The assumption of the European Commission is that stakeholder participation, and institutional adaptation and procedural innovation to facilitate it, are essential to the effectiveness of river basin planning and, ultimately, the environmental impact of the Directive. We analyzed official documents and the WFD literature to compare implementation of the Directive in EU member states in the initial WFD planning phase (2000–2009). Examining the development of participatory approaches to river basin management planning, we consider the extent of transformation in EU water governance over the period. Employing a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach, we map the implementation “trajectories” of 13 member states, and then provide a detailed examination of shifts in river basin planning and participation in four member states (Germany, Sweden, Poland and France) to illustrate the diversity of institutional approaches observed. We identify a general tendency towards increased, yet circumscribed, stakeholder participation in river basin management in the member states examined, alongside clear continuities in terms of their respective pre-WFD institutional and procedural arrangements. Overall, the WFD has driven a highly uneven shift to river basin-level planning among the member states, and instigated a range of efforts to institutionalize stakeholder involvement—often through the establishment of advisory groups to bring organized stakeholders into the planning process