Water-related challenges in nexus governance for sustainable development: Insights from the city of Arequipa, Peru

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141114
• Publication Date: 2020-07-25T02:15:39Z
• Authors: Gloria Salmoral; Eduardo Zegarra; Ian Vázquez-Rowe; Fernando González; Laureano del Cast...; Giuliana Rondón S...; Anil Graves; Dolores Rey; Jerry W. Knox
• Keywords: Natural Resource Management

Peru has one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, but there are concerns regarding how long this can be sustained. Negative environmental impacts increasing due to pressures a growing urban population and competition for natural resources. This study explores stakeholder perceptions linked nexus governance context integrated management resources, particularly water, environmental, socio-economic challenges constraining achievement UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our analysis focused on rural areas associated with city Arequipa, an economically dynamic region subject extreme levels water stress. Face-to-face interviews key informants were conducted identify mechanisms that have enhanced successful multi-sectoral collaboration, assess promoting sustainable economic development. A workshop prioritised identified online survey was then used interest influence over other Stakeholder mapping revealed complex network actors involved governance, where collaboration could promoted through formal informal mechanisms, including exemplar policies initiatives across sectors actors. Shared visions between stakeholders as well contradictory priorities relating finding emerged need promote adaptation land (SDG 6) perceived climate events 13), growth 11), increased sectoral demands. situation combination poor lack planning exposed vulnerability Arequipa supply system future shocks. Urgent action will needed raise awareness, strengthen enforcement, agree collective vision if SDGs achieved.