The institutionalization of the Kura-Aras River Basin for effective management of water resources

ABSTRACT Water scarcity in the region underscores the urgent need for effective management of the Kura-Aras River Basin, emphasizing the critical role it plays in ensuring sustainable water access and security for all riparian states. The research on the institutionalization of the Kura-Aras River Basin holds significant importance in advancing academic understanding and informing policy decisions regarding effective water resource management in transboundary river basins. During a semi-structured interview with field experts from riparian states, the consensus highlighted the significance of institutionalizing the Kura-Aras River Basin for effective water resource management. Field experts from basin countries highlighted the importance of establishing robust governance mechanisms as a strength, fostering cooperation, enhancing transparency, and mitigating conflicts among riparian states in the region. In contrast, the lack of trust between riparian states emerged as a significant weakness, exacerbating the deprivation of the Kura-Aras River Basin and contributing to underdevelopment.