Illuminating the Collective Learning Continuum in the Colorado River Basin Science-Policy Forums

Keywords: Colorado River Basin, collective learning, environmental governance, drought, non-learning, science policy
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

In transboundary water governance, substantial attention is given to centralized venues in water governance, focusing on discourse and practice at national and international scales. But in many of these transboundary water governance systems, the sub-national or decentralized spaces are often key to building more resilient governance. This is because these spaces often provide greater opportunities for more diverse actors to share knowledge, learn from each other, and contribute to more holistic dialogue.

Although considerable research over the past two decades has examined collective learning in environmental governance, much of this scholarship has focused on cases where learning occurred, limiting our understanding of the drivers and barriers to learning. In this research, we explore learning and non-learning in decentralized water governance in the case of the Colorado River Basin. We target six science policy venues in the basin where the day-to-day management of issues like salinity control, species management, and reservoir management occur. These venues are collaborative in nature and engage diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, state and federal representatives, Native American tribes, local communities, and university scientists.

In this study, we use in-depth analyses of interviews and documents to explore instances where actors in these venues perceive barriers to learning and what kind of relational characteristics underlie these barriers. Overall, these findings advance theoretical knowledge of collective learning in environmental governance and offer practical insights that may strengthen the coordination of science and management for effective governance within the Basin.