The role of science in improving government accountability to society

The water governance elements for Mexico are presented, using the trialogue model. Three examples of water governance for Aguascalientes, Guerrero and the Yucatan are given. In all three cases, there is a strong presence of the federal government. In two cases, where there is a stronger science or society element, there is improved water governance. Activities of the Water Network of the Mexican Academy of Sciences, that are enhancing the science–society, and science–government interfaces are presented. This paper shows how a group of scientists are trying to improve the water governance in Mexico through the development of stronger interfaces between science and society so that, eventually, a better informed society may hold its policy-makers accountable.