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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Mohsen NagheebyORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Colonialism continues to have an enduring impact on hydrological research, practice, and education. This paper examines the colonial legacy in hydrology and highlights the need for decolonisation to achieve justice, inclusivity, and sustainability in water management. Through tracing the development of hydrology research and examining stories from Canada, Indonesia, India, West Asia, and Africa, the paper uncovers the different ways colonial-era policies that have shaped contemporary water challenges. Findings indicate that colonial hydrological practices have led to significant ecological and social impacts, disrupted Indigenous knowledge systems, and intensified transboundary water conflicts. We advocate for considering, when desired by communities, place-based and Indigenous knowledge into the sciences, practices, and outputs of hydrology, revisiting ownership practices, and addressing neo-colonial influences through co-creation and inclusive learning. By reflecting on our colonial past, we propose pathways through reflective questions and a decision tree to guide future water knowledge generation and support local water management.
Author(s): Chun KP, Octavianti T, Bradford L, Reeves M, Nagheeby M, Olusola A, Howard BC, Ceperley N, Castelli G, Nkwasa A, Budiyono Y, Strickert G, Morales-Marin LA, Sutanto SJ, Nóbrega RLB, Diele-Viegas LM, Gopinath D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Environmental Science & Policy
Year: 2026
Volume: 178
Print publication date: 01/04/2026
Online publication date: 10/03/2026
Acceptance date: 13/02/2026
Date deposited: 14/05/2026
ISSN (electronic): 1873-6416
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2026.104340
DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2026.104340
Data Access Statement: Data will be made available on request.
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