Integrated River Basin Management in the Hindu Kush Himalaya: emphasising a multi-scale approach

With 261 transboundary river basins covering 45% of the Earth’s land surface, and 19 of them shared by five or more states (Wolf et al., 2010), the necessity for coordinated, multi-scalar river basin governance is undeniable. The Multi-Scale Integrated River Basin Management in the Hindu Kush Himalaya training organised by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) provided a comprehensive and multi-dimensional perspective on transboundary river basin management, emphasising both its intricacies and the critical need for integrated river basin approaches. The training examined the hydrological interconnections between upstream and downstream regions, emphasising cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaborations, groundwater and surface water systems integration, and the need for a hydrosocial approach in river basin planning and implementation.

Historically, river basin management has been infrastructure-centric, focusing on water access and control. However, with changing river basin drivers such as rapid urbanisation, population growth, and economic expansion, contemporary strategies have called for a transition toward a supply-side management approach. The Dublin Principles (1992) marked a pivotal shift, recognising water as a scarce resource and underscoring the role of government institutions, non-governmental organisations, research bodies, and financial agencies. This paradigm shift led to the development of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), which goes beyond hydrological concerns to encompass social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions. As articulated by the Global Water Partnership (2000), IWRM promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources to maximise social and economic welfare while ensuring ecological sustainability. The World Water Commission (2000) further emphasised the need for participatory, scientifically informed decision-making at various scales, reinforcing the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) framework.

The theoretical foundations of IRBM, grounded in Ostrom’s Social-Ecological System (SES) framework and the Common Pool Resources (CPR) design principles, were explored in depth through case studies spanning multiple governance models across the world. Notably, since 1964, France implemented a governance structure based on six river basins, managed by elected water parliaments and executing water boards. Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin pioneered water allocation strategies to promote private-sector participation and water markets. Meanwhile, the United States relied on water collectives, while India established river tribunals and boards to address inter-state water disputes. In Nepal Koshi River Basin Management Strategy (2011) introduced basin-level risk assessment tools and mitigation strategies, further broadening the scope of IRBM at national and regional levels. Furthermore, the training highlighted key socio-hydrological factors, including gender, caste, class, religion, and other influences impacting river basin management strategies. The gender equality, disability, and social Inclusion (GEDSI) framework highlighted the essential need for the inclusion of women and youth representatives in river basin management plans, recognising their historically marginalised position in decision-making processes.

Technical modules of the training introduced state-of-the-art analytical tools for IRBM, such as scenario modelling and hydrological simulations. The Regional Database System (RDS) developed by ICIMOD for the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region demonstrated both the potential and limitations of integrating hydrological and social dimensions into decision-support frameworks. Another key insight was the need to integrate simulation models with optimisation frameworks, incorporating socio-economic and climatic factors to create operational climate risk assessment tools – an area demanding further research.

The training also facilitated a deep dive into governance models and transboundary cooperation frameworks. Discussions covered District Ganga Plans in India (2023), Nepal’s 2024 Response Strategy for Water Resource Management, Pakistan’s Living Indus Initiative, the Mekong River Commission, the China-Laos Agreement on the Lancang-Mekong River, Joint River Basin Management in the Danube Basin, the EU Water Framework Directive, and nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction and wetland conservation. These case studies provided invaluable insights into adaptive strategies, policy frameworks, and collaborative initiatives that can be cross-fertilised and adapted to different regional contexts.

One of the most enriching aspects of the training was the exchange of knowledge and experiences among fellows from Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. These discussions allowed for a comparative analysis of river basin management approaches, illuminating both shared challenges and region-specific nuances. A particularly insightful exercise involved role-playing different stakeholders in transboundary water negotiations. This simulation brought to life the complexities of water diplomacy, highlighting the political, economic, and environmental trade-offs involved in developing sustainable water-sharing agreements. A compelling discussion centred on Toomey’s cognitive science research, which explores why facts alone often fail to change minds, highlighted the critical role of effective science communication in water governance.

Field visits played a pivotal role in bridging theory and practice. The Bagmati River Basin, Nepal visit provided a firsthand understanding of urban flooding impacts, especially in the aftermath of the devastating flash floods of September 28–29, 2024. These floods, exacerbated by rapid urbanisation and destruction of natural drainage systems, reinforced the urgent need for improved risk assessment tools and disaster mitigation strategies. The impact of the flood in the Koshi River Basin, one of the most catastrophic in decades, further underscored the necessity for integrated flood management strategies.

Additional field visits in Thailand provided a holistic perspective on water governance and infrastructure management. Interactions with the Royal Irrigation Department, the Mekong Institute, and Water User Groups offered practical insights into community-based water governance. Site visits to the Pa Sak Cholasit Dam and Khao Yai National Park helped contextualise the hydrological, ecological, and socio-economic challenges of river basin management, particularly within the HKH region.

Being a part of this training broadened my perspective on the opportunities, challenges, and future directions of integrated river basin management. The exposure to historical and contemporary water governance models, combined with exercises, interactive sessions, dialogues, and field visits deepened my appreciation of the multi-disciplinary and multi-scalar nature of water resource management. As climate change intensifies and water scarcity becomes an ever-pressing global challenge, it is imperative to adopt integrated, evidence-based, and participatory strategies for sustainable river basin management. This training reinforced the importance of transboundary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive governance models in shaping resilient water management frameworks for the future in different river basins in the HKH region. This experience has significantly shaped my perspective on water resource management and is gradually informing my current work, which focuses on water auditing and studies of river islands within the Mula-Mutha River basin, Pune district, India.