Water governance in Toluca: 2 3

Challenges and perspectives from a multilevel transcomplex model

Abstract

Toluca is facing a multifactorial water crisis derived from the overexploitation of the aquifer, institutional fragmentation, accelerated urban growth, climate change and the pollution of rivers such as the Verdiguel and the Lerma. This study examines the main challenges of water governance and assesses the potential of the multilevel transcomplex model as a management alternative. The research integrated documentary review, online surveys of 50 residents and statistical analysis using Pearson's coefficient, complemented by qualitative interpretation of citizen perceptions. The results show significant correlations between the perception of water scarcity and climate change (r = 0.78), as well as between knowledge of the transcomplex model and support for its implementation (r = 0.72). Low institutional efficiency, little citizen participation, and lack of intergovernmental coordination were identified. It is concluded that the adoption of adaptive strategies, decentralization and the integration of scientific and community knowledge, in coherence with Schavino's transcomplex transmethodology, are key to advancing towards equitable, resilient and sustainable water governance in Latin American urban contexts.