Transboundary Waters and Crisis Prevention
Conflicts arising out of environmental degradation can cause serious challenges to human development of which environmental degradation of freshwater resources is one particular problem. Related conflicts can easily cause international tensions, since many rivers, lakes, groundwater reservoirs, marshes and wetlands are shared by two or more sovereign states. A deeper understanding of the different dimensions of current water-related conflicts in various parts of the world is necessary to prevent new violent conflicts and to elaborate strategies for conflict prevention and conflict resolution. Peace and conflict research faces new challenges in this field.
© WWAP/Bodin
We at BICC address the issues of water, conflict and cooperation by applied research and activities, such as knowledge exchange and capacity development for various parties, studies, publications and participation in partners’ research activities. Thereby we are working in a network together with bi- and multilateral donor institutions, European, African and international research institutes as well as various NGOs.
© WWAP/CZAP/ASA
Our work in this context focuses on Good Transboundary Water Governance as a condition for increased security and human development through transboundary water management. Sustainably equitable, effective and efficient transboundary water management depends on the development and implementation of cooperative approaches in water governance. In order to foster cooperation and avoid conflict, promote equitable and efficient water management and environmental protection, an inclusive approach to transnational water governance aiming at multi-level and multi-actor participation is needed. Opening up options for ownership, it will improve efficiency, thus positively influencing the acceptability of policies. The development and impacts of such approaches to Transboundary Water Governance form the center of our research interests.
© UNESCO/Forbes
The findings of this multi-disciplinary research project will contribute to the elaboration and practical application of strategies to prevent and to solve water-related conflicts.
In the first phase of the project up to June 2005 the project is focussing mainly on transboundary rivers, whereas in the second half of 2005 the perspective will be broadened to include transboundary acquifers as well as transboundary lakes.
Coordination at BICC:
Lars Wirkus, Senior Researcher
Dr. Volker Böge, BICC Associate Researcher
BICC News