Contested H2O: Science, policy and politics in water resources management in Chile

摘要: This paper critically explores the politics that mediate use of environmental science assessments as basis resource management policy. Drawing on recent literature in political ecology tradition has emphasised politicised nature production and scientific knowledge management, analyses a hydrological assessment small river basin Chile, undertaken response to concerns over possible overexploitation groundwater resources. The case study illustrates limitations an approach based predominantly hydrogeological modelling ascertain effects increased abstraction. In particular, it identifies subjective ways which was interpreted used by state water resources agency underpin allocation decisions accordance with its own interests, role desocialised played reproducing unequal patterns configuring uneven waterscapes. Nevertheless, Chile’s ‘neoliberal’ political-economic framework privileges technocracy, producing other forms complement is likely be contentious. conclusion, considers potential mobilising concept hydrosocial cycle further engage science.