Need and Focus of Water Diplomacy Education in the Developing World
Olivier Cogels, April 2023
Water is essential for supporting life on Earth and plays a vital role in the economic, social, and environmental development of every country. Collaborative water resources development and management are increasingly important as countries face growing water scarcity, environmental challenges, and potential conflicts over water resources in today's rapidly changing world. Tensions are rapidly growing between various water users worldwide.
Nearly half of the Earth's surface is covered by over 310 transboundary river basins and lakes, which together provide approximately 60% of the world's fresh water supply. As the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and the number of people living in urban areas is expected to double, it is crucial for transboundary water agreements and institutions to be strong enough to address the growing uncertainties posed by changing economic, environmental, and climatic conditions, in a context rapid population growth. Particularly in Africa, more than 80% of surface water resources are derived from over 60 rivers and lakes shared by at least two countries, such as 9 in the case of the Niger River and 11 in the case of the Nile. These shared resources should be considered as common goods that require joint management. In most developing countries, the rapidly growing demand for water as well as the need to strengthen the protection of populations and property against hydro-climatic hazards leads to significant needs for more investments in energy production, domestic and industrial water supply, irrigation, flood protection, wastewater treatment, ecosystem protection, navigation, mining, etc. In many countries, major investments in water infrastructure and related management systems are thus likely to continue at a sustained pace for several decades. While these investments may be a potential source of conflicts, they also present opportunities for cooperation. As a result, discussions around these investments should often be at the heart of water diplomacy. Addressing this issue requires a proactive, collaborative, and well-informed approach that takes into consideration the complex dynamics of water diplomacy in the context of growing water related investments. The reality of growing populations, socio-economic development, and related investments needs in water infrastructure makes it a more challenging to balance the needs of economic growth with environmental conservation. Striking this balance is an urgent and complex task that requires a collaborative and well-informed approach, taking into account the complex dynamics of transboundary water cooperation. This is why well-oriented water diplomacy education and training is crucial for equipping policymakers, diplomats, and water professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate this challenging landscape effectively and become active players in conflict prevention and effective cooperation.
Nearly half of the Earth's surface is covered by over 310 transboundary river basins and lakes, which together provide approximately 60% of the world's fresh water supply. As the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and the number of people living in urban areas is expected to double, it is crucial for transboundary water agreements and institutions to be strong enough to address the growing uncertainties posed by changing economic, environmental, and climatic conditions, in a context rapid population growth. Particularly in Africa, more than 80% of surface water resources are derived from over 60 rivers and lakes shared by at least two countries, such as 9 in the case of the Niger River and 11 in the case of the Nile. These shared resources should be considered as common goods that require joint management. In most developing countries, the rapidly growing demand for water as well as the need to strengthen the protection of populations and property against hydro-climatic hazards leads to significant needs for more investments in energy production, domestic and industrial water supply, irrigation, flood protection, wastewater treatment, ecosystem protection, navigation, mining, etc. In many countries, major investments in water infrastructure and related management systems are thus likely to continue at a sustained pace for several decades. While these investments may be a potential source of conflicts, they also present opportunities for cooperation. As a result, discussions around these investments should often be at the heart of water diplomacy. Addressing this issue requires a proactive, collaborative, and well-informed approach that takes into consideration the complex dynamics of water diplomacy in the context of growing water related investments. The reality of growing populations, socio-economic development, and related investments needs in water infrastructure makes it a more challenging to balance the needs of economic growth with environmental conservation. Striking this balance is an urgent and complex task that requires a collaborative and well-informed approach, taking into account the complex dynamics of transboundary water cooperation. This is why well-oriented water diplomacy education and training is crucial for equipping policymakers, diplomats, and water professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate this challenging landscape effectively and become active players in conflict prevention and effective cooperation.