In its account of a regional hydrosocial cycle thoroughly integrated by notions of 'inclusive sociality' and associated spirit ecologies, this paper focuses on a still powerful local origin narrative linked to the sea and the generations of beings that emerged from it. It links this to the pre-eminence given to locally generative 'bodily' ontologies practiced through carefully attending to long-standing socio-cosmic relations. Drawing on the concept of ethnogeomorphology, it argues that there is an urgent need for diverse modalities of water governance to recognize and engage with locally embedded social and political institutions as well as the vibrant life forces which inhabit multiple forms, times and spaces.

Chapter from book 'Water Politics and Spiritual Ecology: Custom, Environmental Governance and Development'