Assessment of Water Governance in Iran within the OECD Framework: A Case Study of Clause (P) of Article 40 of the Seventh Development Plan on Groundwater Resources

Pardeh Poush, Ahad; Digbari, Mohammad; Babaei, Sahar

doi:10.22059/jppolicy.2026.417339.2914

Assessment of Water Governance in Iran within the OECD Framework: A Case Study of Clause (P) of Article 40 of the Seventh Development Plan on Groundwater Resources

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

ahad pardeh poush ¹

mohammad digbari ¹

sahar babaei ²

¹ faculty of Governance, University of Tehran

² Faculty of Governance,, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/jppolicy.2026.417339.2914

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate Clause (P) of Article 40 of the Seventh Development Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning groundwater management based on the Twelve Principles of Water Governance developed by the OECD. The research adopts an applied mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Quantitative data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 200 experts, managers, and students in the fields of water governance and water resources management and analyzed using various statistical tests. Qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the performance of Clause (P) of Article 40 falls below the desirable level across all three dimensions of effectiveness, efficiency, and trust and engagement. The most significant weaknesses were identified in policy coherence, capacity building, and accountability, while financing and regulatory frameworks showed relatively better performance. The results highlight the necessity of strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing implementation capacities, and increasing stakeholder participation to achieve sustainable groundwater governance.

Keywords

Water Governance

Groundwater Resources

Seventh Development Plan

OECD

Water Resources Management

Water Policy

Subjects