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 Global Dialogue on Water Tenure. 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

Thailand: Communities, farmers, industry and authorities seek shared solutions

03/10/2025

The Pasak River is vital for agriculture, aquaculture, industry, and household use. Water authorities need to utilise water supply for ranges of ecological conversations and hydrological functions within and beyond the Basin’s region. But increasing demand and climate-related droughts have placed growing pressure on the basin’s resources.

Water Tenure Experts Group members

Center for Regulation Policy and Governance (CRPG)

Mohamad Mova AlAfghani, Director
Dyah Paramita, Senior Researcher

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024

COUNTRY: Indonesia

Environmental Law Institute (ELI)

Jessica Troell, Senior Attorney

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2019

COUNTRY: United States of America

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Dan Schuster-Beesley, Water Security Policy Lead
Andy Roby, Senior Water Security Adviser

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024

COUNTRY: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Inclusion, Prevention and Solving Conflicts (INPRESC)

Monica Sanz, CEO

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024

COUNTRY: Colombia

International Association for Water Law (AIDA)

Stefano Burchi, Chair Emeritus

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024

COUNTRY: Italy

International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Dr. Barbara van Koppen, Scientist Emerita

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2019

COUNTRY: South Africa

Land and Water Division (FAO)

Nora Berrahmouni, Deputy Director
Jippe Hoogeveen, Senior Land and Water Officer
Benjamin Kiersch, ScaleWat Global Coordinator
Virginie Gillet, Land and Water Officer
Aurelie Bres, Land and Water Officer
Nathalie Dubler, Land and Water Officer
Verena Wilke, Programme specialist

IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2019

COUNTRY: Italy