Fig. 1.

Conceptual framework for hydrodiplomacy and adaptive governance.

Hydrodiplomacy refers to a type of water governance in complex transboundary social-ecological systems. It combines both water diplomacy and science diplomacy frameworks. Governance is a multidimensional concept that is at once “the ways organizations are managed and the systems for doing this” (Cambridge English Dictionary). Adaptive governance (AG) is a water management approach based on the principles of flexibility and dynamism. It is also a set of practices—or a way of doing—water management with a goal of building institutional capacity. Studies of effective AG provide evidence that specific characteristics (indicators, I) of governance arrangements have been identified that contribute to institutional adaptive capacity. Our work suggests that a 5th indicator, robust and foundational institutions (e.g., Treaty of 1944; IBWC/CILA) is key to adaptive governance in a transboundary context

(Source: M. Wilder).