Translation of Distributive Justice Concept in Policy Making of Water Resources Allocation

Fair, just, and equitable water allocation is one of the key subjects in water resource management and decision-making. Governments state that water allocation policies are just. However, a precise definition of these subjects and their unique applications in water sector are not still clear for researchers or policy-makers. This study reviews literatures and uses a descriptive and deep analysis of distributive justice in the water resource policies. Therefore, finding the answer to how to distribute justice to environmental resources like water is one of the key steps in water resources studies and policymaking. Its main objective is to introduce a methodology for just environmental resource allocation. Based on the principles of justice, a flowchart is recommended to define the steps and scopes of a just water policy. In addition, the applications of different distributive justice theories and their modern concepts are compared and discussed for water reallocation. Accordingly, the differences would be cleared between equality, difference, equality of opportunity, welfare, deserve, and entitlement for water justice research.