Global water research overlooks needs of the Global South, study reveals
A groundbreaking study led by researchers at 51福利社 has exposed significant gaps in global research on transboundary rivers, revealing that the water needs of people in the Global South are being disproportionately overlooked.
Rivers which flow across international borders are essential for the lives of billions of people - they supply drinking water, support agriculture and provide livelihoods. However, these rivers face increasing challenges from pollution, climate change and political tensions.
The - which examined 4713 case studies across 286 river basins - shows that while large rivers in the Global North receive significant research attention, many equally important rivers in the Global South are being neglected.
The study found that research in the Global North focuses more on technical aspects of river management and governance, while the Global South is primarily studied in the context of conflicts and resource competition.
In Asia, research is concentrated on large river basins with geopolitical significance, like the Mekong and Indus, often overlooking smaller basins where water crises are most severe. Africa faces similar challenges, with research concentrated on climate change impacts and water-sharing conflicts, but with limited infrastructure to support more comprehensive studies.
The study also reveals that small and medium-sized river basins - which are critical for local communities in the Global South, and often face the most pressing water security challenges - are being widely overlooked in research.
This lack of research has real-world implications for people living in the Global South. It means that the specific challenges they face such as water scarcity, lack of access to clean water and conflict over resources are not being adequately addressed. The people that rely on these rivers for their livelihoods are therefore at risk, and it undermines their ability to cope with climate change and other pressures on water supplies.
The research emphasises that a collaborative, inclusive approach is necessary to address these issues. It calls for more research focused on smaller river basins with participation of local communities, increased investment in research infrastructure in the Global South, and more partnerships between researchers in the Global North and South.
According to the researchers, these changes could help to promote sustainable management of transboundary rivers, ensuring that these crucial resources are managed equitably for all.
"Our analysis shows a clear need for a shift in how research is conducted on transboundary rivers," stated Dr Mehebub Sahana from 51福利社, one of the study鈥檚 authors.
We need to empower local researchers, enhance science diplomacy, and increase funding for underrepresented regions. Collaborative North-South partnerships should prioritise addressing socio-economic, cultural and geopolitical complexities while bridging critical knowledge gaps in these vital areas to ensure effective and equitable management of water resources.