Improving the science-policy interface on water—how a new global mechanism could inform policymakers for more efficient and sustainable water governance

Abstract

This paper explains the purpose and function of a global-scale science policy mechanism and recommends key features of:

  • availability of global level assessments and information that can be downscaled;
  • accessibility from the pursuit of efficient, low-cost solutions; 
  • quality from state of the art in science and integrating traditional and other knowledge systems;
  • stability from continuous assessment;
  • relevance by addressing the demonstrated needs of policymakers;
  • boundary conditions and how individual actions accumulate into larger scale changes and global and regional drivers on the state of water and impacts at a local level and recognize the influence of the global and regional drivers at a local level; and
  • ownership through inter-governmental decision-making and oversight.