Spatial fit and water politics: managing asymmetries in the Dongjiang River basin

The aim of this paper is to explore how classic upstream–downstream conflicts of water resources management can be interpreted more broadly in terms of spatial misfits and disparities between the river basin, territorial jurisdictions, degrees of political influence and socio-economic conditions. It applies the analytical concept of spatial fit in order to explore issues of governance in managing water in the Dongjiang River basin, selected by virtue of the huge political and economic asymmetries existing between the upstream Jiangxi Province and the downstream Pearl River delta region. Using the concept of spatial fit, the paper explores the complex environmental, socio-economic and political geographies which frame the interdependencies of water use and management within the river basin. It analyses attempts by stakeholders at different levels and locations in the basin to advance their own water-related interests and the initiatives that some are developing to share benefits and costs more equitably across the basin.