Water Governance and Legal Compliance: Preventing Resource Conflicts in Developing Economies

Water scarcity has evolved from being a purely environmental concern to a multidimensional governance challenge, particularly in developing economies where rapid population growth, weak institutional capacity, and climate variability converge to exacerbate resource pressure. This study examines the intersection of water governance and legal compliance as strategic levers for preventing resource conflicts while ensuring equitable access under Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). Drawing on comparative legal analysis, case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and current scholarly discourse, it investigates how legal frameworks—both domestic and international—can be adapted to manage scarcity in a manner that is socially just and conflict-preventive. The analysis situates water governance within broader humanitarian and sustainability agendas, arguing that compliance mechanisms must be robust, transparent, and culturally contextualized to be effective. The findings are expected to inform both policy reform and academic debates, offering actionable recommendations for integrating rights-based approaches, participatory governance, and adaptive legal instruments into national and transboundary water management strategies.