Analyzing Governance Models and Institutional Capacity for River Management in Southeast Asia: A Comparative Study of Hong Kong and Shenzhen

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and population growth have brought significant transformations in the built and natural environment in Southeast Asian cities. Due to the intensity of land use, rivers are crucial in alleviating the negative impacts of urban development, primarily in relationship with flood prevention, recreational space provision, and agricultural production. Previous research has provided ample knowledge about river management’s ecological and economic impacts; however, limited attention has been given to the governance model and institutional capacity. This research employs content analysis of policy documents and semi-structured interviews of knowledgeable informants to produce a longitudinal comparative study of the river management policy evolution in two densely inhabited and highly urbanized Southeast Asian cities, Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The research elucidates the socio-environmental effects of river policy in the two mega-cities within the Greater Bay Area. It illuminates the driven factors of river management policy, meticulously scrutinizes the structures of water governance and institutional capacities, and conceptualizes their policy-making models. Understanding river-management-related policy-making and governance models, in their differences and effectiveness, is essential for healthy urban development and the long-term well-being of the urban inhabitants. The findings can also provide policymakers, planners, and stakeholders insights on achieving socio-environmental responsive river management policies and integrated urban planning strategies in Southeast Asia.