Civil Society in the Multilevel Governance of Water Security: An exploration of civil society roles in Johor state, Malaysia

Drought, pollution and water scarcity are increasing the pressures on water resources, especially in emerging economies. To ensure water for the future, governments need to draw on ordinary people’s knowledge, networks and volunteerism in decision making and action. The research shows the barriers that civil society face in challenging unsustainable resource use even when they are carrying out actions to promote water security. The thesis argues that governments should nurture relationships with civil society that work close to the grassroots level through training, mentoring, collaborative knowledge production, and joint projects, based on ideas of shared benefit and belonging.