A Study on enhancing the function of the water commission for water dispute mediation

Abstract

In August 2018, Moon Jae-in’s government enacted the Framework Act on Water Management in order to improve the quality of life of the people through sustainable water management. In June 2019, the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Water Management was promulgated and the Presidential and Basin Water Commissions having a function to mediation water disputes consisted. Even though various organizations are managing to public conflicts including water disputes before the Water Commissions, many water disputes are still going on nationwide, and the social costs to be paid continue to increase. In order for the Water Commissions to perform the function of water dispute mediation well, it is necessary to accurately grasp the problems of water dispute mediation in the past and come up with measures to overcome them. In this study, I examined the methodologies for water dispute mediation and derive the characteristics of water dispute through the survey and analysis of 17 water dispute cases. And then, I evaluated the role and limitations of existing water dispute mediation agencies. Finally, I suggested 5 measures for the Water Commissions to successfully carry out the water dispute mediation function. The proposal of this study is expected to contribute to the normal performance of the water dispute mediation function of the Water Commission.