Traditional water management in the Mediterranean: Authorized union associations in Languedoc-Roussillon

Abstract

The history and activities of the traditional nineteenth century landowner associations, called authorized union associations (assocations syndicales autorisées, or ASAs) provide a dynamic example of local water governance in the French Mediterranean region of Languedoc-Roussillon. These associations provide fertile ground for testing the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), which calls for decisions to be made at a level as close as possible to the place in which water is used. ASAs own their infrastructure, hold collective water rights, and are responsible for maintaining gravity-based irrigation systems. Still largely made up of farmers concerned with water for agriculture, the ASAs gradually are expanding to provide services to the community to meet the demands of population growth and urban development. This multi-functionality gives the associations a role as legitimate stakeholders in integrated water management at the watershed level.