River agreements: a strategy for degrowth? Collaborative watershed management toward renewed ecological relationships

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of River Agreements as strategies for Degrowth, linking collaborative watershed management to renewed ecological relationships. It situates the debate within critiques of Sustainable Development and the rise of Degrowth theories inspired by thinkers such as Georgescu-Roegen, Gorz, Illich, and Latouche. The study highlights how Degrowth movements and the “eight R program” (re-evaluate, re-contextualize, remodel, relocate, redistribute, reduce, reuse, recycle) call for innovative strategies that move beyond technocratic approaches and engage citizens and associations. Focusing on the Italian context, the paper analyses participatory processes where River Agreements have been developed, particularly the Simeto River case in Sicily, conducted through Participatory Action Research with grassroots associations and the University of Catania. It reflects on how such collaborative frameworks can serve as practical tools to promote ecological regeneration and support the transition toward Degrowth-inspired policies.