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Water: a source of conflict or basis for cooperation ?

Water: a source of conflict or basis for cooperation ?. Marie-Laure Capela. Introduction & Background. 363 rivers in the World Last war 4500 years ago “Water Conflict” v. “Water War” Water is a tool, target or victim of warfare, not a cause. What is a Water War?

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Water: a source of conflict or basis for cooperation ?

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  1. Water: a source of conflict or basis for cooperation ? Marie-Laure Capela

  2. Introduction & Background • 363 rivers in the World • Last war 4500 years ago • “Water Conflict” v. “Water War” • Water is a tool, target or victim of warfare, not a cause. • What is a Water War? • Conflicts over two main causes : scarcity, use, dominant position.

  3. Why can water be a source of conflict? • Scarcity of water • Absolute • Not enough water • Relative • Water is plentiful but not distributed in an equitable manner • Use of water • Pollution • Unequal access or allocation • Development and construction project on the river

  4. Intensity of the conflict / Difficulty of cooperation • Politics • Difference of political regime • Changing of government • Hydropolitics • Level of development • Developing or developed states? • Is it a dispute over • Water quality or quantity? • Particular use or multiple use of water? • Geopolitical setting • Upstream or downstream states? • Religion • Financial resources

  5. Incentives for cooperation • Cost of conflict v. cooperation • Enable cooperation over other issues • Maintain future friendly relationship • Image within the International Community • Compensation

  6. Strategies for cooperation • Use international law: • 1966 Helsinki Rules • 1997 UN Convention • Promote early intervention (Mekong case) • Joint Management Committee (Indus River case) • Enable all the concerned stakeholders to participate • Utilize more often experienced and neutral entities (UN, World Water Council, World Bank ) • Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)

  7. Conclusion • From mid 50’ to now: 37 disputes involves violence and 157 Treaties negotiated and signed. • Water is a greater pathway to peace than conflict. • Future ? More risks for conflicts and wars because of growth of population and climate change.

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