USM Hosts Public Lecture on Water Governance and Knowledge
March 13, 2026
International water governance researcher Dr. Shahnoor Hasan delivered a thought-provoking lecture at USM, examining how narratives of expertise influence water policy, climate adaptation, and development worldwide.
USM hosted a public lecture on Thursday evening featuring Dr. Shahnoor Hasan, Senior Researcher at Deltares in the Netherlands, who presented on the topic “Hierarchies of Expertise: Whose Water Knowledge Counts and Why?”
Dr. Hasan’s lecture explored how expertise, knowledge systems, and power dynamics influence water governance and development policies around the world. Drawing from her research in Science and Technology Studies and the anthropology of development, she examined how narratives surrounding Dutch water management have shaped global perceptions of technical authority in water policy.
Through a series of thought-provoking examples, Dr. Hasan unpacked the dominant narrative that positions the Netherlands as a global leader in water expertise. She encouraged participants to critically reflect on how historical and institutional narratives can legitimize certain forms of technical knowledge while sidelining local or alternative perspectives.
The lecture also highlighted how water governance is deeply intertwined with broader issues of development, climate adaptation, and global inequality. According to Dr. Hasan, understanding whose knowledge is recognized in decision-making processes is essential for creating more inclusive and effective water management strategies.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion with attendees. Among those participating was local upcoming filmmaker Herbert Martina, who is currently producing a documentary on the Great Salt Pond, one of St Maarten’s most significant ecological and historical sites. Martina’s questions connected the global themes discussed in the lecture with local environmental challenges and storytelling initiatives.
The event provided an opportunity for students, researchers, and community members to engage with contemporary debates on climate adaptation, environmental governance, and knowledge production.
USM continues to host public lectures that foster dialogue between international research and the local community on issues of global and regional importance.
Latest News →
Dr. Hasan’s lecture explored how expertise, knowledge systems, and power dynamics influence water governance and development policies around the world. Drawing from her research in Science and Technology Studies and the anthropology of development, she examined how narratives surrounding Dutch water management have shaped global perceptions of technical authority in water policy.
Through a series of thought-provoking examples, Dr. Hasan unpacked the dominant narrative that positions the Netherlands as a global leader in water expertise. She encouraged participants to critically reflect on how historical and institutional narratives can legitimize certain forms of technical knowledge while sidelining local or alternative perspectives.
The lecture also highlighted how water governance is deeply intertwined with broader issues of development, climate adaptation, and global inequality. According to Dr. Hasan, understanding whose knowledge is recognized in decision-making processes is essential for creating more inclusive and effective water management strategies.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion with attendees. Among those participating was local upcoming filmmaker Herbert Martina, who is currently producing a documentary on the Great Salt Pond, one of St Maarten’s most significant ecological and historical sites. Martina’s questions connected the global themes discussed in the lecture with local environmental challenges and storytelling initiatives.
The event provided an opportunity for students, researchers, and community members to engage with contemporary debates on climate adaptation, environmental governance, and knowledge production.
USM continues to host public lectures that foster dialogue between international research and the local community on issues of global and regional importance.
Latest News →
