False Promises

The contours, contexts and contestation of good water governance in Lao PDR and Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Good water governance’ in Lao PDR and Alberta, Canada emerged in different political
contexts of, respectively, communism and democracy. Yet both espouse similar principles of
participation, transparency and accountability. Drawing on multiple methods, this paper
examines how contests over governance affect the adoption of, and mechanisms for, ‘good water
governance.’ It gives particular emphasis to how both scale and context influence, and at times
curtail, the promises of good water governance. In both Lao PDR and Alberta, we examine how
governance mechanisms have been wielded by what we call closed communities. These
communities are part of the dark side of water governance. They espouse good governance principles yet
retain political power apart from them. We suggest good water governance is far from guaranteed
by particular political systems, new institutions or even legislation.