An initial publication entitled “Exploring the concept of water tenure” was published by FAO (Hodgson, 2016), based on an expert consultation. The definition of water tenure was proposed to be “the relationship, whether legally or customarily defined between people, as individuals or groups, with respect to water resources”.

This paper is meant to set the stage for future multi-stakeholder and intergovernmental discussions on the concept and the definition of its guidelines. The conclusions and guidelines that result from this process are expected to provide a pathway for greater acceptance of the need to look after vulnerable people and to protect their rights to the very basic need for water and go further and recognise the productive uses of water for livelihoods as included within this right.