Can an international organization do something?

[Neupane, Bhanu]

Dear colleagues,

Several discussants have hinted on the possible role of international organizations (such as UN) in providing assistance to establish conditions for fair and more equitable sharing of benefits of the Ganges River. 

Unfortunately, shared rivers and aquifers are sovereign issues of the riparian countries and they are off limit for any unsolicited or unilateral requests of arbitration. 

Just to give you some background (again): There are over 263 transboundary river basins in the world, a third of which are shared by more than two countries. The 1997 UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UN Convention) provides a framework and principles to guide transboundary or international water management. Annex to this Convention sets out procedures to be followed in the event that Two countries are in dispute.

Similarly there are some 273 shared aquifers currently inventoried in the world. In 2008, UN assembly agreed on a resolution on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers as a step forward towards the peaceful sharing of groundwater resources.

Thus when a country finds that the benefits are not shared equally and that the articles of the  existing legal provisions have been violated, it has to FIRST make efforts to address them on a bilateral basis. If only and when such bilateral efforts fail; and if only and when BOTH countries collectively decide to get an international organization to examine the dispute,  a third-party process on arbitration can commence.  

Thank you. 

Bhanu Neupane 

[Giri Raj Khatri]

Dear Colleagues, 

I am Giri Raj Khari, currently working in environmental health sector in mid western region of Nepal. I am enjoying this discussion with lots of learning. I would like to give big thanks to  the e-discussion moderators and organizer for creating such opportunity of learning and sharing. 

Yes, the international organizations can  do many things in this issues and also doing in different sectors of water resource development. Here I want to add some views on research and innovation initiatives;

Although, we have plenty of water resources, we are not getting sufficient water to maintain our daily basic needs (drinking water, sanitation and hygiene purpose)  and the water for irrigation and hydro power generation are far from the access of  rural people. So, here is urgent needs of program for "reaching the unreached" and the research and innovation program along with their implementation to provide access of safe drinking water is highly appreciative to all.  Also, with change in environment, the small streams and rivers that feed to the large rivers may not have enough water if we do not take any solid action to protect it. The international organizations also more focused on source protection and awareness raising to people which helps to maintain water availability. It will be great if international organizations can think on this simple initiatives as;

1. Research and innovation for providing sufficient water to all people

2. Raising awareness and provide technologies of Recharge, Retention and Reuse (3R) at local level for sustainable use of water resources

3. Taking solid action on WASH sector for maintaining the water quality and water availability in all the watershed areas

4.........................

Such action of the international organizations may led the good result in trans-boundary water resource debate of this region. 

Thank you !!

with regards!

Giri

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URBANWATER is an online group created by Nepal National Water Week (NNWW) to conduct e discussion on the theme of World Water Day. NNWW has been celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the World Water Day (22nd March) and World Meteorological Day (23rd March) organizing a week long programs since 2008.
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 Giri Raj Khatri

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