Intrinsic and Spiritual Dimensions of Water at the Local Scale, and the Disconnect with International Institutions

Erica Lynn Porta and Aaron T. Wolf
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Erica Lynn Porta: Water Resources Graduate Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Aaron T. Wolf: College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-27

Abstract: Local and indigenous populations the world over ascribe deeply and explicitly spiritual attributes to water. Springs, wells, and rivers are the homes of deities, have divine healing powers, and enhance processes of spiritual transformation. These attributes are rarely expressed in global declarations related to sustainable water management and are found only implicitly in a handful of international water treaties. This paper uses a multi-scalar lens to identify areas of disconnect between community-specific intrinsic and spiritual dimensions of water, regional management institutions or international agreements, and global conventions. The scale-based structure of the article highlights the systems-based connections, and disconnections, from global to local-scopes of dimensions of water enshrined in different institutions.

Keywords: international institutions; transboundary water resources; local values; spiritualities; sustainable water management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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