transboundary issues from and international perspective, by prof, patricia wouters
TRANSCRIPT
UN
ESC
O
IHP
-HEL
P C
entr
e fo
r W
ater
La
w, P
olic
y &
Sci
ence
Transboundary Issues from an International Perspective
GWP / IWMI
South Asia Regional Workshop
24-25 Feb 2011, Colombo – Sri Lanka
24/02/2011 Prof. Patricia Wouters | Director
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 2
Global Water Challenge
No development without water
1.2 billion without safe drinking water and 2.4 billion without sanitation
widening water gap
Only a fraction readily available
1.4 billion km3 of water on Earth
Global environmental change worsening water crisis
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 3
International Waters across Asia
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 4
GWP vision: a water secure world
GWP’s Vision of a water secure world A water secure world is vital for a better future: a future in which there is enough water for social and economic development and for ecosystems. A water secure world integrates a concern for the intrinsic value of water together with its full range of uses for human survival and well-being. A water secure world harnesses water's productive power and minimises its destructive force. It is a world where every person has enough safe, affordable water to lead a clean, healthy and productive life. It is a world where communities are protected from floods, droughts, landslides, erosion and water-borne diseases. Water security also means addressing environmental protection and the negative effects of poor management, which will become more challenging as climatic variability increases. A water secure world reduces poverty, advances education, and increases living standards. It is a world where there is an improved quality of life for all, especially for the most vulnerable—usually women and children—who benefit most from good water governance. – GWP Strategy 2009–2013
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 5
Water Security – operational definition
Sharing Benefits
1. Availability
2. Access
3. Addressing Conflicts-of-use
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 6
The Law of Nations – peace and security
“to maintain international peace and security … and ... the fundamental freedoms of all … “
Hydro-Diplomacy
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 7
Water Security Matrix
Human
National
Regional
Int’l / Global
Polit
ical
Eco
no
mic
Soci
etal
Envi
ron
men
tal
scale
Disciplinary interface
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 8
Implementing Water Security: the 3 – A’s
Access
Addressing conflicts-of-use
Availability
Rule: Equitable & Reasonable Use -- all relevant factors considered together
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 9
Water security challenges in TB waters
Water Security Challenges Key Elements
Availability Increased floods and droughts
Information
Access Water for all ? -Equity - All relevant factors (social, economic, environmental) - Law
Addressing conflicts-of-use
Social, economic, environmental needs
- Balancing of interests - Governance - Hydro-diplomacy
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 10
Water Security Hierarchy
Water security
Regional & Global
National
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 11
Water Security Matrix
Human
National
Regional
Int’l / Global
Polit
ical
Eco
no
mic
Soci
etal
Envi
ron
men
tal
scale
Disciplinary interface
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science | under the auspices of UNESCO Slide | 12
Water security puzzle – what solutions for Asia?
Thank you!