The RESPECT model: evolving decision-making approaches in water management

Decision-making processes and their final outcomes, in the field of water management, have caused tensions and conflicts throughout the world. This article discusses numerous problematic issues in decision-making processes and suggests a framework to improve decision making. This framework is referred to as the ‘RESPECT model’ and includes the principles of research, equity, sustainability, participatory decision making, education, communication and trust. The lack of consideration of these principles was found to be at the root of tensions in a case study of ground water extraction in Ontario, Canada. The paper concludes by suggesting that if decisions followed the principles of the RESPECT model, the tensions of the case study area may have been reduced or not have occurred and that the RESPECT model could be a useful tool in many water management decision-making processes.