Global disparities in transboundary river research have implications for sustainable management

Abstract

Anthropogenic pressures, climate change, and hydro-politics pose significant risks for sustainable transboundary river basin management. We reviewed 4237 publications using machine learning and conducted a desk review of 325 publications, analyzing 4713 case studies across 286 basins. Our objectives were to: assess major perspectives and key research themes; analyse how they vary based on basin size, location, runoff, water withdrawal, discharge, and consumption; and reflect on implications for sustainable basin management. Findings show that the volume of research in the global south is disproportionately small compared to basin population size, water withdrawals and water consumption. Moreover, research is predominantly led by global north institutions, shaping study themes and locations. While research in the global south focuses on hydro-politics and natural hazards, the global north emphasizes landscape ecology and governance. These insights highlight the need for more comprehensive assessments in the global south to support sustainable management of transboundary river basins. The volume of research on transboundary rivers and management in the global south is disproportionately small compared to river basin population size, water withdrawals, and consumption, according to an analysis of 4713 case studies using machine learning and desk review.