Water Tenure Experts Group

The Water Tenure Experts Group (WTEG) is a global team of specialists working with FAO’s ScaleWat project to shape the conversation on how water access and rights are recognized, managed and governed. The experts range from legal advisors and hydrologists to social scientists and Indigenous rights advocates. They come from diverse geographical regions, representing academia, civil society, international organizations, and independent research institutions. 

The WTEG plays a key role in advising on the substance and process of the . The group’s work includes reviewing water tenure case studies from the field, providing feedback on technical tools and guidance documents, and helping shape national and regional dialogues on water use and governance. They also support FAO teams and local partners in identifying practical ways to recognize community-based water systems, strengthen legal frameworks, and ensure marginalized groups, like Indigenous Peoples or small-scale farmers, are not left out of the Dialogue process. 

The WTEG’s advice helps ensure that activities under the Dialogue - from assessments to policy discussions - are grounded in real-world experience and reflect the diversity of water use systems on the ground. By connecting technical expertise with community realities, the group helps FAO and its partners work toward fairer, more sustainable water allocation. 

Expert group updates

Water Tenure Experts Group members