5.9C - Integrated Drainage Basin Management (IWRM)
Integrated drainage basin management for large rivers (Nile or Colorado) and water sharing treaties and frameworks (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Water Convention, Helsinki and the Water Framework Directive and Hydropower, Berlin) (P: role of players in reducing water conflict risk)
IWRN (Integrated Water Resources Management) was first advocated in the late 1990s. It emphasises the river basin as a logical geographical unit for the management of water resources. It is based on achieving a close cooperation between basin users and players. The river basin is treated holistically in order to ensure three things:
- the environmental quality of the rivers and catchment
- that water is used with maximum efficiency
- an equitable distribution of water among users
Experience has shown that IWRM works well at a community level, but not so well in larger river basins, especially if an international boundary is involved, as is the case with the Colorado River and the Nile.
Water-sharing treaties and frameworks
In spite of the potential for conflicts over shared waters, particularly where there is 'greedy' upstream behaviour, international cooperation is the rule rather than the exception. Over the last 60 years, military conflict has occurred only in a handful of drainage basin disagreements. There has been a surprising amount of international cooperation, even between traditional enemies, as for example between India and Pakistan who share the Indus.
Important international agreements include:
In short, the potential for water wars is considerable and increasing with climate change. However, a commendable degree of international cooperation seems to be keeping the peace - but for how long?
The players involved in tensions and conflicts over water can each play a part in reducing the conflict risk. At a global scale, the UN sets the rules which governments are required to observe. Non-governmental organisations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature, have a vital role to play in a 'neutral' monitoring of potential conflict situations. TNC have important responsibilities here. Locally, a range of players may be involved, from planners and environmentalists to water companies and water users. Each has a responsibility to minimise conflict and maximise cooperation.
Important international agreements include:
- the Helsinki Rules, with their 'equitable use' and 'equitable shares' concepts
- the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Water Convention promotes the joint management and conservation of shared freshwater ecosystems
- the UN Water Courses Convention offers guidelines for the protection and use of transboundary rivers
- the EU Water Framework Directive (2000), committing all members to ensure the 'status' of their water bodies, including their marine waters up to one nautical mile from shore
In short, the potential for water wars is considerable and increasing with climate change. However, a commendable degree of international cooperation seems to be keeping the peace - but for how long?
The players involved in tensions and conflicts over water can each play a part in reducing the conflict risk. At a global scale, the UN sets the rules which governments are required to observe. Non-governmental organisations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature, have a vital role to play in a 'neutral' monitoring of potential conflict situations. TNC have important responsibilities here. Locally, a range of players may be involved, from planners and environmentalists to water companies and water users. Each has a responsibility to minimise conflict and maximise cooperation.
