What mechanisms for regulating groundwater withdrawals? Comparison of farmers', institutions' and citizens' points of view

Abstract

In this paper, we analyse stakeholder perceptions of three groundwater regulation policy scenarios which respectively assume a strengthening of state intervention, the introduction of market regulation mechanisms, and the transfer of regulation responsibility to farmers. The method consists of organizing scenario workshops with institutional representatives and farmers in a southern France case study, as well as mini-debates with lay citizen outside this case study area. From a methodological viewpoint, the research demonstrates farmers and citizens ability to contribute to an exploratory assessment of possible future water management scenarios. From a policy viewpoint it clarifies expectations concerning State intervention and self-regulation. It also provides some insights regarding the acceptability of tradable groundwater permits in two European contexts.