Water tenure analysis in Nui Coc Irrigation System in the Red River Basin, Vietnam

Abstract

Vietnam is considered to have a sound legal systems for water resources management but the enforcement of these systems remains limitations. This weakness and its causes were reported in various studies on institutional arrangements. However, the clear relations among stakeholders with respect to water resources, or water tenure, and level of implementation of water tenure governance which are related to these limitations remain undocumented. Using the new approach on water tenure analysis to identify issues and conflicts related to water tenure arrangements in a pilot area in Vietnam is the aim of this study. Most of the types of possible formal (8) and informal (7) water tenure arrangements were identified in the pilot area. The analysis of the water tenure governance in terms of 14 aspects and assessment of water tenure security were conducted in the study area. The study results illustrate the needs to improve the implementation of law enforcement and to strengthen the process of water tenure governance. Based on the analysis results, several relevant solutions are recommended including review and update of current legal framework and strengthening the enforcement of current legal regulations in Vietnam.