International Programs

This paper provides a comparative analysis of different methods of water resource management. It develops an argument for the decentralized management of water resources in Oregon (United States) and Tunisia. It further describes situations in which resources are owned by the commons, privately or regulated by governments. I use a "tragedy of the commons" framework to justify natural resource management. The paper develops the historical evolution of centralized water management focusing on government agencies and major water development projects. It then describes the transition to more decentralized water management in Tunisia and Oregon and the increased amount of public and private participation. The comparison section discusses the similarities and differences between the environmental, political, economic, water infrastructure and social features in Oregon and Tunisia. This follows with issues and suggestions for improving water management in Tunisia and Oregon. I conclude by describing the difficulties of Tunisia and Oregon incorporating the other's water management techniques,