Co-creating water knowledge: a community perspective
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Navigating the complexities of global and local water resources challenges requires collaboration and mutual learning among diverse knowledge systems and disciplines. However, Western philosophical approaches to generating knowledge have prevailed in water management and hydrology, often overlooking community priorities, practices and perspectives, and power asymmetries - including gender inequalities, racism, and colonial injustices. In this perspective paper, we explore the co-creation of water knowledge (CCWK) concept to value multiple and diverse forms of knowledge. We identify four overarching principles (inclusivity, openness, legitimacy, and actionability), highlighting the importance of establishing relationships and collaborative leadership, adopting key tools and techniques, and integrating knowledge for water resources management. Furthermore, we argue that prioritizing epistemic justice is essential for effective CCWK. To address these, we advocate for more interdisciplinary and reflexive research practices that challenge and disrupt Western scientific traditions shaped by functionalist and colonial legacies.
Date Issued
2025-12-10
Date Acceptance
2025-09-30
Citation
Hydrological Sciences Journal, 2025, 70 (16), pp.2899-2919
ISSN
0262-6667
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group
Start Page
2899
End Page
2919
Journal / Book Title
Hydrological Sciences Journal
Volume
70
Issue
16
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
License URL
Identifier
10.1080/02626667.2025.2571065
Subjects
Co-creation
epistemic justice
FLOOD RISK-MANAGEMENT
FRAMEWORK
indigenous knowledge
interdisciplinary approach
LESSONS
Physical Sciences
POLICY
POWER
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
SCIENCE
Science & Technology
SOCIO-HYDROLOGY
STAKEHOLDER
traditional knowledge
TRANSDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
Water Resources
water science
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2025-10-06