conflict resolution for water issues
Prepared by Eng. Yousef Awayes Training course UNESCO- Flander project Bir zeit University
Conflict resolution
this “gathering” we are going to explore if there is any water conflict was registered in the history Origin of the conflict Kinds of conflicts Reasons How to avoid any conflict Tools that could be applicable in case of water conflict.
In
Water’s conflict resolution
resources have rarely, if ever, been the sole source of violent conflict or war. But this fact has led some international security "experts" to ignore or belittle the complex and real relationships between water and security
Water
Water’s conflict resolution
It
is easy for an academic approach to draw a narrow definition of "security" in a way that excludes water (or other resources) from the debate over international security, or to require that security threats be narrow, single-issue factors
Water’s conflict resolution
But
this approach both misunderstands the connections between water and security and misleads policymakers and the public seeking ways of reducing tensions and violence
Water’s conflict resolution
In
fact, there is a long and highly informative history of conflicts and tensions over water resources, the use of water systems as weapons during war, and the targeting of water systems during conflicts caused by other factors.
Water’s conflict resolution
to
understand the connections between water resources, water systems, and international security and conflict, Bir zeit University (WSI) and in cooperation with UNESCO- Cairo office realized the need to organize this training course, tacking into account that our region faces this kind of threat, that might affected our life, future and development approaches
Water’s conflict resolution
list of water-related conflicts in the myths, legends, and history of the ancient Middle East was published in Environment magazine (Gleick 1994). This chronology has now been included in the online version here, with information from between 5,000 and 2,300 years before the present.
a
Water’s conflict resolution
of conflict. now include: Control of Water Resources (state and non-state actors): where water supplies or access to water is at the root of tensions. Military Tool (state actors): where water resources, or water systems themselves, are used by a nation or state as a weapon during a military action.
Types
Water’s conflict resolution
Political Tool (state and non-state actors): where water resources, or water systems themselves, are used by a nation, state, or nonstate actor for a political goal. Terrorism (non-state actors): where water resources, or water systems, are either targets or tools of violence or coercion by non-state actors. Military Target (state actors): where water resource systems are targets of military actions by nations or states.
Water’s conflict resolution
Development
Disputes (state and nonstate actors): where water resources or water systems are a major source of contention and dispute in the context of economic and social development.
Water’s conflict resolution
issues (Facts) Fresh water is distributed globally Fresh water does not recognize political borders There is more than 260 river defined as international river Ground water another issue added to the above-mentioned
Critical
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Increased
competence over the water
resources Population growth (increasing) Increasing Sectarian demand (different sectors) (Truism) International efforts for solving international conflicts are not adequate
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of international rivers by continent continent No of int Basins Africa 60 North and central America 39 Sudden America 39 Asia 51 Europe 72
Number
Water’s conflict resolution
Examples
Sudden
Orinoco Amazon
America
La
plata Central America Rio Grande – Rio Bravo Rio Colorado
Water’s conflict resolution
Nature of international Conflicts Water as an object Middle east (2700 BC – Up to date) Water as military tool Han river, Korea, Ataturk Dam’s Hydraulic System as an objective of war Second world war, Vietnam, Arab Golf, Afghanistan
Water’s conflict resolution
as a subject inside the conflict for the development Apartheid in south Africa, Cauvery river, Gabcikovo
Water
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New concerns – New challenges water and development (poorness and distribution) Sub national disputes (state – state) Ethnics and Local are more commons Acts related to terrorism
Water’s conflict resolution
How we can alleviate the danger of water conflicts ? Technically (technical level) • improvement in the efficiency of use of water for all sectors • Exploration of new options of water supply
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Economic Level (distribution) • Reduction in the subsidies for the water (giving the water economic price) • Reforming in the agricultural policy institutional level (management) • Basin Joint management • Integrated management for the water resources • New mechanisms for water disputes
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At
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political level Joint agreements (detailed and efficient) Equal right and reasonable distribution for the shared resources (access and control) Sustainable cooperation not based only on the good willing Water partnership Involvement of other stakeholders (public and private)
Water’s conflict resolution
Political Highlights Many water treaties for river basins have been singed (examples) - Nile Basin (Sudan and Egypt) - Colorado (USA and Mexico) - Jordan Valley (Israel and Jordan) - Ganges/ Brahmaputra (India and Bangladesh)
Water’s conflict resolution
• • • • •
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General principles in the international right Obligation for data sharing Obligation for solving any dispute in peaceful manner Equal right in the water use Prevention of considerable damage Obligation of informing and taking measures in case of emergency (risk) Cooperative management
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Conclusions Water from conflict to cooperation There is a long history of water conflict but on the other hand there is good example of water cooperation between different states (EU, Niger Basin, South East of Asia( Laos, Kampudia, Vietnam )
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What about the Jordan Valley? What about Palestinian situation ? Long history of conflict Alwehdeh dam (Israeli aircraft destroyed the dam) Johnston Plan (1953- 1964) Arab plan Cotton plan
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could Oslo Agreement be considered a step toward a good cooperation Did the Palestinian made a mistake? If yes where and how? What we have to do in the future? To answers these questions we should go to the next session