Realization of public participation principle in water resources management based on domestic and international water Law

Rules and regulations have tremendous effects on both effective water - energy management and dealing with main water-related challenges such as climate change, water shortage, carbon emission and water pollution.

In the study base on descriptive method, Iran water legal framework on water resource management is evaluated according to public participation principle.

The results show that Access to information as one of the pillars of the principle faces serious challenges. Lack of communication ways, inaccurate water quality and quantity statistics, several institutions responsible for issuing water permits in each catchment are challenges of Access to information. Participation in decision-making for both governmental and non-governmental organizations couldn’t satisfy mainly due to conflict of interests, restrictions on water and water rights exchange.

Groundwater affairs commission as a quasi-judicial body for water disputes resolution couldn’t realize access to justice in water sector due to lack of legal obligation to release data, restricted competence and structural problems.