Abstract:
Transboundary water issues are evident in river basins that cross political boundaries.
Issues arise among states with, shared transboundary water when the quality of water
degrades and the available quantity does not meet the rising demands for sustainable
development. Lack of water resources among states often results in competition in
transboundary water cooperation and in many instances, intensify into conflict. To date
approximately 3,600 treaties exist on water cooperation, an achievement in its own.
However, a closer look at the treaties reveals significant weaknesses. Records show that
in the last 50 years, 37 cases of acute violence has taken place over disputes involving
transboundary water sharing. Diplomatic relations with the provision of treaties and
conventions prepared with the support of United Nations framework on transboundary
water cooperation, with theories of realism and liberalism can bring an effective
solution to the prevailing problem. A successful example of such water cooperation is
the Indus River Commission, which survived two wars between India and Pakistan.
Another is the framework for the Nile River Basin, home to 160 million people and
shared among 10 countries. The objective of the study is to articulate a systematic
source with diplomatic mechanisms backed by treaties and conventions that states can
use to resolve transboundary water issues or prevent intensifying conflict. This can be
reached by consensus, with two key principles to guide the conduct of states regarding
shared watercourses; 'equitable and reasonable use' and 'the obligation not to cause
significant harm to neighboring states'.
