CWEEP’s research on water economics and policy is founded upon a systems perspective of trade-offs, decisions, and interactions. The scope of our work explicitly extends beyond understanding freshwater systems: we seek to inform and enable actions that address unsustainable water use, water injustice, and climate change. We value and support community-led research, deliberation, and advocacy that seeks to effect policy reform. 

Our geographic focus areas include river basins, catchments, communities, and cities across Australia, the Greater Mekong region, and the Asia-Pacific. We purposefully engage with water systems of the Canberra and Snowy Mountains region where the ANU is located. By emphasising place-based research and engagement, CWEEP contributes to caring for the waterways connected to where ANU staff, students and alumni live, work, and come from. CWEEP works closely with other water areas at the Crawford School of Public Policy, including the Water Justice Hub and the Global Water Forum.