OUR PUBLICATIONS
Abstract
Tourism-driven peri-urbanization has become a key force reshaping land use, demographics, and livelihoods in the Global South, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Through a case study of Denpasar City of Bali, Indonesia this study aimed to examine the peri-urbanization progress together with land use and demographic changes and their impacts on local livelihood dynamics. A mixed-methods approach integrates spatial analysis to assess land use changes, descriptive statistics and SEM analysis to evaluate demographic trends and household survey data, and thematic analysis to interpret qualitative data. Findings reveal that peri-urbanization accelerates agricultural land conversion, replacing natural landscapes with concrete structures. Households increasingly transition to non-farm employment, prioritizing physical capital over natural resources. These findings underscore peri-urbanization generates better income opportunities and enhances employment diversity while intensifying environmental degradation. The study confirms a significant relationship between land use and livelihood changes, with livelihood assets being more affected than strategies or outcomes. The study argues that livelihood dynamics are an integral part of peri-urbanization. The findings promote decision-makers focus on enhancing the livelihoods of peri-urban households based on spatial and demographic characteristics and implementing integrated peri-urban planning to mitigate the negative impacts of peri-urbanization.
Tiwari, S., Nguyen, T.P.L., & Thapa, A. (2026). A quest for rural tourism sustainability along the Annapurna sanctuary trail in Nepal: a study of tourist satisfaction and loyalty. World Development Perspectives, 41, 100763. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2026.100763
Abstract
Tourist loyalty is essential for sustaining rural tourism destinations, particularly in fragile mountain environments. This study investigates the key destination elements—attractions, accessibility, accommodation, amenities, and awareness (5As), assesses tourist satisfaction, and identifies the factors influencing tourist loyalty along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail, a prominent trekking route leading to the base camp of Mount Annapurna (8,091 m). Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey of domestic and international tourists (n = 100). Descriptive statistics, spider charts, Fisher’s exact test, Mann–Whitney test, multiple linear regression, and path analysis were employed to examine destination attributes, satisfaction levels, and loyalty determinants. The results indicate that domestic and international tourists share similar perceptions of the 5As, except for accessibility and awareness. Overall, tourists reported high satisfaction and a strong intention to recommend the destination. Path analysis reveals that attractions, accommodation, awareness, and accessibility significantly influence tourist loyalty both directly and indirectly through overall satisfaction, whereas amenities exert only a direct effect. The findings contribute theoretically by empirically validating the mediating role of tourist satisfaction between destination attributes and loyalty in a rural trekking context. Practically, the study provides actionable insights for destination planners, local governments, and tourism service providers, emphasizing the need to prioritize improvements in accommodation quality, primary health services, road and footpath conditions, waste management, transport services, and digital connectivity. These targeted interventions are critical for enhancing tourist loyalty, promoting domestic tourism, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of rural mountain destinations.
Jabari, A. & Ahmad, M.M. (2026). G20 Peripheral Power: Tunisia’s Contribution to Global Gender Governance Through G20 Norm Alignment. UNRISD 1-19.
This paper examines Tunisia’s engagement with global gender governance through alignment with G20 agendas, despite its status as a non-member from the global South. Focusing on the 2022–2025 G20 presidencies (Indonesia, India, Brazil, South Africa), the study analyzes how Tunisia’s gender policies converge with evolving multilateral frameworks. Drawing on theories of policy diffusion and norm localization, this paper examines how Tunisia incorporates global gender norms into its national strategies while navigating fiscal constraints and political instability. Using a qualitative case study approach, it identifies both structural limitations and normative contributions Tunisia offers to international discourse. Tunisia’s legal reforms, constitutional commitments, and active civil society serve as models of bottom-up multilateralism, demonstrating how non-G20 states can meaningfully engage in shaping global norms. The findings contribute to understanding how emerging regional actors influence transnational governance through localized innovation and strategic alignment with multilateral institutions.
Tiwari, S., Nguyen, T. P. L., Ahmad, M. M., Shrestha, R. P., & Thapa, A. (2026). Ecotourism’s perceived impacts on sustainable rural community development along Himalayan trails: A social exchange theory approach. Local Development & Society, 7(1), 203–240. https://doi.org/10.1080/26883597.2026.2636798
Abstract
Ecotourism is often promoted as a sustainable development strategy, yet few empirical studies explore how its perceived impacts shape local support, particularly in remote Himalayan regions. Guided by Social Exchange Theory (SET), this study examines the influence of perceived sociocultural, economic, and environmental impacts on community attitudes toward ecotourism along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail (AST), Nepal. Drawing on quantitative data from 120 locals and qualitative insights from focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and field observations, the findings suggest that locals perceive more benefits than costs. Key benefits include environmental conservation, improved infrastructure, increased income, women’s economic participation, cultural preservation, and enhanced community cohesion and social ties. Perceived costs involve environmental damage, inflation, loss of agricultural land, cultural erosion, and rising inequality. Despite these costs, locals continue to support ecotourism and view it as a key strategy for sustainable rural community development. These underscore the need for policies that balance conservation goals with development needs.
Chaloryoo N, Chatterjee JS (2026). Factors influencing the development of trans-inclusive workplace and organizational policies in Thailand. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 1-21 https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-10-2024-0484
Abstract
This study critically examines how both internal and external factors contribute to the development of trans-inclusive policies. The research explores the complex factors influencing trans-inclusivity in Thai workplaces, offering valuable insights and raising awareness to foster both academic discourse and the practical implementation of strategies. I challenge the Theoretical Framework of Inclusiveness at Workplace (Smith, 2020), to address the addition factors contributing to trans-inclusive workplace. Additionally, the paper contributes to the evidence of trans-development workplace in practices and the challenges. To summarize, this paper shed new insights and discussions toward trans-inclusive workplaces which could be positively enhance trans-inclusive workplace worldwide.
Chiara Ceseracciu, Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen, Romina Deriu, Giampiero Branca, Anthi-Eirini K. Vozinaki, George P. Karatzas, Thouraya Mellah, Hanene Akrout, Ümit Yıldırım, Mehmet Ali Kurt, Seifeddine Jomaa, Alberto Carletti, Pier Paolo Roggero, (2025). Innovative governance for sustainable management of Mediterranean coastal aquifers: Evidence from Sustain‐COAST living labs. Environmental Science & Policy, 167, 104038, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104038
Abstract
This study focuses on groundwater governance in Mediterranean socio-ecological systems, where anthropogenic and climate-related pressures lead to issues such as overexploitation, salinisation, and pollution, particularly in coastal areas. It provides empirical evidence of the practices and processes that foster governance learning and innovation towards adaptive and sustainable groundwater management, drawing on data from a comparative groundwater governance assessment of four case studies,each representing relevant issues within the mosaic of water challenges in the Mediterranean region. This study addresses several knowledge gaps by proposing a framework aligned with a socio-ecological systems approach, allowing for acomprehensive understanding of groundwater governance by consideringinterconnected social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The assessment process integrates diverse data and knowledge sources, and ensures the active participation of local stakeholders. The findings highlight several cross-cutting themes relevant to water governance innovation. These include transdisciplinary collaborations that recognise the multidimensionality of water governance, the role of cultural and social capital as catalysts for community mobilisation, the potential of community participation tools to promote voluntary behavioural changes, and the creation of social learning spaces to co-design scientifically robust and socially acceptable water management options. Furthermore, this study emphasises the integration of the Theory of Change to effectively engage stakeholders in the co-creation of tailored governance solutions, thereby enhancing the potential for sustainable policy outcomes.
Jabri, A., & Ahmad M.M. (2025). E-Service quality and public trust: A foundation for effective digital service delivery in Northern Tunisian municipalities. Social Sciences and Humanities Open, 12, 102308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.102308
Abstract
Kyoko Kusakabe, Victoria Syddall, N. Veena, Nikita Gopal, Chollada Wongpanich, Kafayat Fakoya, Alice Joan Ferrer, Arlene Nietes Satapornvanit, Malasri Khumsri, Sereyvath Prak, Meryl J. Williams, (2025). Gender monitoring schema for aquaculture projects: Capturing the process of change, Aquaculture, 609, 742776,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2025.742776
Abstract
Women are heavily involved in aquaculture, but their gendered knowledge and expertise continues to be ignored in the process of innovation and technological development. Since women’s participation is crucial in promoting more extensive and sustainable aquaculture, this paper presents a gender monitoring schema for aquaculture to allow for women’s meaningful participation. A review of current MEL systems, particularly in aquaculture, found that the plethora of gender indicators and MEL frameworks do not adequately capture the dynamics of changes in gender roles and relations. Given that shifts in gender relations can be subtle, the change process is crucial to capture so that the MEL process can further accelerate these shifts within the lifetime of the project itself. Noting that women’s important role in extensive and sustainable aquaculture, for e.g., nature-based solutions (NbS), the MEL process focusing on NbS aquaculture has been developed. Three agentic processes (awareness, images of change, and agency) and two environmental processes (attitudes towards NbS practices and climate change) have been identified as the key domains for the proposed gender monitoring schema to capture the process of change towards gender equality in the context of climate change.
Myat, S.Y.M., Nguyen T.P.L. (2025). Does energy access impact refugees’ human capital development? A case study of Myanmar refugees in Thailand’s camps. Energy Research and Social Science 122, 104008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2025.104008
Abstract
Most refugees live in poor living conditions and lack clean energy. While previous studies have focused on basic humanitarian needs, limited attention has been given to energy access and human capital in prolonged refugee settings, particularly in non-signatory host countries like Thailand. This study addresses this gap by examining refugees’ energy access and its impact on human capital development through a case study of Myanmar refugees in Thailand’s Umpiem Mai (UPM) and Ban Mai Nai Soi (BMN) camps. Data collection was made through field observation, 25 semi-structured interviews, 202 household surveys and 20 key informant interview. Multi-Tier Framework was applied to analyze households’ energy access, quantitative statistical analysis was used for the survey data, and thematic analysis was applied to the interview data. The findings revealed that in BMN, most households have Tier 0 electricity access. UPM is grid-connected but classified as Tier 1 due to high electricity rates. Both camps’ cooking access is Tier 3. The streetlighting tier of BMN is Tier 0 and UPM is Tier 3. Consequently, UPM has superior human capital compared to BMN. Energy access is found to be affected by income, occupation and geographical location of the refugees. However, there have been limited humanitarian assistance from the United Nations (UNs), International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), and governments regarding energy access for refugees in these camps. This research calls for urgent attention to the energy access of refugees by international organizations to ensure basic human rights and moral obligations.
Uon, S., & Kusakabe, K. (2025). Production of prahok under diminishing fish resources: Women as cultural custodians in Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia. Food and Foodways, 33(4), 358–377. https://doi.org/10.1080/07409710.2025.2564492
Abstract
Prahok (fermented fish paste) is a staple food for Cambodians. It is primarily produced by Cambodian women in fishing communities for both home consumption and sale. Analyzing how Cambodians produce prahok in the face of decreasing fish resources, this research found that the decisions made by women prahok producers were shaped not only by climate and economic considerations, but also by gender norms, livelihood alternatives, and family composition of respondents. Women’s perceptions regarding prahok production and consumption are closely tied to their role as caregivers in the household, as well as their sense of professionalism as entrepreneurs. While prahok is well-known as a food source, a livelihood, and a business for women, this research shows that it is also a marker of identity and pride for Cambodian women.
Tamanna, M., Kusakabe, K., Chatterjee, J. S., & Nitivattananon, V. (2025). Gender, space, and resistance: street vendors of Dhaka city. Gender, Place & Culture, 32(2), 253–277. https://doi.org/10.1080/0966369X.2024.2374821
Abstract
Street vending is illegal in Dhaka city, and street vendors exercise various strategies to operate under these prohibitive regulations. In this study, we analyse how women and men vendors exercise different resistance strategies and how differences in spaces shape these strategies. Spaces also shape gender relations, which in turn influence the different forms of resistance used by street vendors. Drawing upon 32 in-depth interviews (16 women and 16 men) and 10 key informant interviews (all men) with street vendors in Dhaka city, we compare the resistance strategies in two vending locations: a long-established vending space and a newly established one. To capture the subtle forms of resistance that women tend to choose, we analyse both the overt and covert types of resistance. In the long-established vending area, the intersection between class and gender produces certain power relations and allows men to occupy a space and establish specific social and political linkages. Thereby, women are excluded not only from the space but also from information and opportunities. On the other hand, in the newly established public areas, men do not receive political support, and hence gender norms are more lenient and enable both women and men to adopt similar forms of resistance, making the vending area more vibrant.
Tang, S. and Kusakabe, K. (2025), Conflict Between Conservation and Livelihood: Gender-Specific Impacts of a Fishing Ban on Erhai Lake, China. Fish Manag Ecol, 32: 561-569. https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.70000
Abstract
Fishing bans are an important regulation for fishery management, but the gender-specific impact of fishing bans has rarely been studied on traditional fishing communities. We aimed to quantify how women and men from a traditional Bai fishing community around Erhai Lake, China, were affected by a year-round fishing ban implemented in 2017. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods, we quantified gendered impacts of the fishing ban on various aspects of life. The fishing ban excluded women from fishing and also decreased their household income, which increased women’s burden to manage household finances. Poorer women were affected more than better-off women because they had fewer resources. Men fishers indulged in mahjong gambling to release their stress during the fishing ban, thereby increasing women’s stress. Our findings highlight the importance of intersectional gender analysis and coping strategies of fishers when analyzing socioeconomic effects of fishing bans.
Chatterjee, J. S., Thongprasert, S., Mohanty, P., & Roy, J. (2025). Toward Gender and Climate Justice: Women, Climate Action Projects for Accelerated Transition, and Transformative Change in the Global South. (22 May 2025), in Paul Almeida (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Climate Action (online edn, Oxford Academic, 20 Mar. 2025 – ), https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197762097.013.0024
Abstract
In the context of accelerated climate transitions, this chapter examines climate action projects in South and Southeast Asia, across the sectors of agriculture, energy, and disaster risk reduction. The chapter identifies enablers and barriers toward addressing climate justice and gender equity in an integrated manner toward transformative change. Focusing on women, its critical assessment uses the framework of a Continuum of Approaches on Gender and Climate Action to understand the integration of gender transformative goals at local, national, and/or regional scales. Findings show that social and climate injustice creeps in or gets exacerbated through projects which by design or oversight exclude some groups or communities, follow siloed project designs, adopt infrastructure- and technology-centered approaches rather than people-centered, and lack capacity, financing, and adequate data. Conversely, enablers toward transformative change include factors such as inclusion and promotion of gender-equitable norms via the project design, investing in promoting women’s leadership, and community mobilization toward gender inclusion in climate action.
Tiwari, S., Lai Nguyen, T. & Thapa, A. (2025). Socio-demographic and economic factors determining perceived costs, benefits, and attitudes toward ecotourism development in Nepal. SN Soc Sci 5, 193 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-025-01233-3
Abstract
This study investigated how local community members’ socio-demographic and economic characteristics influence their attitudes towards ecotourism development. Guided by a complemented theoretical framework that draws on Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Place Attachment Theory (PAT), it explored the perceived environmental, economic, and socio-cultural costs and benefits of ecotourism through data collected from 120 local community members using a well-structured survey questionnaire. The respondents were randomly selected from three rest points (Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus) along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail in the Himalayan region of Nepal. The study revealed that socio-demographic and economic factors such as age, marital status, caste/ethnicity, education level, tourism-based occupation, household income, and duration of residence significantly influence the perceived environmental, economic, and socio-cultural costs and benefits of ecotourism and the attitudes towards its development along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail. Local community members viewed ecotourism development positively when they perceived greater benefits than associated costs. The study suggests that policymakers should prioritise effective policies and planning to minimise various environmental, economic, and socio-cultural costs for the sustainable development of ecotourism activities in the country.
Nguyen, T.P.L., Muenratch, P., Shrestha, S., Das Gupta, A., Saurav, K.C., 2024. Assessing decentralized groundwater governance performance in the lower Mekong region: The case of Khon Kaen province, Thailand. Groundw. Sustain. Dev. 24, 101077. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2023.101077
Abstract
Chatterjee, J. S., Thongprasert, S., & Some, S. (2024). Communication and climate mitigation behavior change: Role of social media and message design. Annual Review of Environment and Resources. Vol. 49 (2024), pp. 655–67. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-121322-070317
Abstract
Using the socio-ecological model of social and behavior change communication, our review highlights current trends in understanding message design factors and media technologies promoting proenvironment and climate mitigative behaviors. We explain that much of this research has focused on the individual level, and relatively few studies have been conducted at the interpersonal and community levels. With respect to changing communication ecology, we note the potential for research on the use of social media platforms to influence positive behavior changes and, conversely, the challenges of misinformation and its impact on behavior shifts. This area requires further investigation as these communication platforms transform and become increasingly relevant. Additionally, we need to explicate the long-term shifts and impacts of behavior change interventions as well as track behaviors over time. Overall, our review underscores the continued need for research across different geographical, sociopolitical, and technological contexts.
Tiwari, S., Nguyen, T.P.L., 2024. Towards social equity and sustainable economic prosperity through ecotourism: A case of caste diversified community along Annapurna Sanctuary trail (AST), Nepal. World Dev. Perspect. 34, 100592. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2024.100592
Abstract
The key to social equity and sustainable economic prosperity rests on the inclusion of diverse socio-cultural and ethnic groups in socio-economic activities. Ecotourism promotes the fair and equitable sharing of available opportunities among local people to ensure social equity, sustainable economic prosperity, and tourism sustainability. This study presents an analysis of how ecotourism has contributed to social equity and sustainable economic prosperity within multicultural communities in three villages: Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail (AST) in Nepal, through the lens of the local community with 120 face-to-face questionnaire surveys, five key informant interviews, six focus group discussions, and field observations. Ecotourism is found to be an effective mechanism for fostering social equity and economic prosperity through socio-economic empowerment, particularly among marginalized groups such as women, Dalits, and Janajatis through the reduction of gender-based income disparities, increased access to micro-financial services, enhanced social cohesion, and increased participation in decision-making processes. Furthermore, the study reveals that households from diverse castes and ethnic backgrounds have benefitted from ecotourism through various income-generating activities, including the sale of local handicrafts and agricultural products, leasing land and property, and infrastructure development. However, it also identifies challenges such as rising living costs, land prices, abandoned agricultural lands, and income inequality. For the sustainability of ecotourism in the region, the need for regulatory measures to control local prices, and integrate agricultural activities into tourism experiences is proposed. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of engaging marginalized groups, particularly Janajatis and Dalits, in ecotourism development initiatives.
Bakebillah, M., Ahmad, M.M. (2024). “Half a Decade of the Rohingya Refugee Crisis: The Threats to Peace and Sustainability in Bangladesh”. In: Sharifi, A., Candelaria, J.L., Simangan, D., Kaneko, S. (eds) Navigating Peace and Sustainability in an Increasingly Complex World. (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8772-2_7) (Springer).
Abstract
On August 24, 2023, the Rohingya refugees marked six years since entering Bangladesh after facing a renewed cycle of genocide in the Rakhine state by the Myanmar military government. However, there is little hope for them to return to their homeland. Additionally, numerous issues such as funding crises, effects on the local community e.g., economic and social dilemmas, communal conflicts, security concerns, turf wars and environmental impacts are increasing threats to peace and sustainability. This chapter investigates the causes and consequences of rising threats to peace and sustainability for host communities in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh due to the Rohingya refugee crisis. Moreover, it discusses the possible way forwards. The study systematically reviewed existing literature based on Scopus and Google Scholar online databases and finally examined 14 research articles and book chapters. Moreover, policy documents, media contents, and online sources are used for it. Peace and sustainability issues i.e., social, environmental and economic crises are analyzed thematically. The results illustrate that refugee crisis is a major concern that could contribute to threats to peace, and sustainability in the southeastern region, where many indigenous communities live with limited resources while the ecosystem is already under stress. International support, alongside the Myanmar government, is crucial for ensuring peaceful repatriation and livelihoods for the Rohingya people. If these challenges are not addressed soon, the cascading effects could be much more severe than they appear at present.
Nguyen, T.P.L., Virdis, S.G.P., Vu, T.B., 2023. “Matter of climate change” or “Matter of rapid urbanization”? Young people’s concerns for the present and future urban water resources in Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area, Vietnam. Appl. Geogr. 153, 102906. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2023.102906
Abstract
Through an integrated empirical study in the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan, we examined the effects of urban land use and climate change on water management, as well as young people’s concerns about the issue. The results showed that between 1992 and 2019, the population increased from 3,272,000 to 8,993,082 residents, while urban settlements increased from 288 km2 to 958 km2, with a higher rate observed after the year 2000. Climatic analysis showed an average temperature increasing trend of about +0.27 °C/decade, with a significant increase up to +0.34 °C/decade observed after the year 2000, while precipitation did not show a significant trend.
Veena, N., & Kusakabe, K. (2023). Negotiating social location as a workplace strategy: Gorkhali women migrant domestic workers and South Asian employers in Bangkok. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 49(11), 2932–2949. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2021.1959303
Abstract
Social location involves multiple axes of gender, work, ethnicity, migration status, age and access to networks; and can be manipulated when the individual determines to change it. These axes of differentiation interact with social hierarchies in different ways to change a person’s social location. Using the social location and intersectionality frameworks, this paper analyses the choices and strategies used by Burmese Gorkha migrant domestic workers in Thailand to manage their workplace relationships. Migrant domestic workers are in a precarious status because of their legal status as migrants and because of the employment relations with their employers. The study finds that Gorkhali migrant workers chose their employers so that they are able to negotiate using their ethnic status. By foregrounding their ethnicity, they are able to obtain certain social location vis-à-vis their employers. However, this strategy can be used only for a certain group of employers and therefore, Burmese Gorkha migrant domestic workers choose to work with such employers even when the pay is lower than that of other groups of employers. Gorkhali migrant domestic workers’ engagements and interactions with their employers are shaped by economic, ethnic and gendered power relations.
Muenratch, P., Nguyen, T.P.L., Shrestha, S., Chatterjee, J.S., Virdis, S.G.P., 2022. Governance and policy responses to anthropogenic and climate pressures on groundwater resources in the Greater Mekong Subregion urbanizing cities. Groundw. Sustain. Dev. 18, 100791. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2022.100791
Abstract
Groundwater has become a major source of freshwater for supporting socio-economic development in the rapidly urbanizing cities of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Paradoxically, mindless groundwater withdrawals have led to enormous pressures on vital resources: socio-economic development, urbanization, climate situation as well as groundwater governance. Through a case study in Khon Kaen, Thailand – a rapidly urbanizing city in GMS – this study aimed to examine (i) the trends of socio-economic development and climate pressures on groundwater resources, (ii) how groundwater policies responded to extraction, use, and management of groundwater over the last two decades. Time-series data of groundwater extraction, groundwater level, climate, and socio-economic situation (2000–2019) were tested by Mann Kendal trend test and Sen’s slope estimation to investigate the direction of the trends and their changes. We use Pearson correlation to assess the association between socio-economic development and groundwater withdrawals. Institutional and retrospective policy analyses were applied to analyze the institutional arrangements and the policy changes over time. The findings show the rapid socio-economic development and climate trends accelerate the groundwater extraction as well as groundwater depletion in Khon Kaen. The Royal Thai Government has implemented some measures to control groundwater extraction through groundwater decentralization processes to local governments. However, groundwater extraction was only reduced in the short term. The findings reflect a lack of effective policies and low institutional capacity as the key challenges of groundwater management in the study area. Consequently, the way forward requires the consideration of collaborative strategies among key actors to strengthen groundwater governance in the rapidly urbanizing area to balance groundwater use, socio-economic development, and climate resilience. Further, the capacity of groundwater governance should be enhanced at the local level beyond transboundary aquifer management to ensure sustainable groundwater extraction in the GMS region to respond to the sustainable development goals.
