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doi: 10.1080/02508060.2014.978972pmid: N/A
Analyzing the dynamics of international cooperation, this article describes the role of international law in the process. It illustrates that international law is a tool to achieve mutually beneficial relations and can be a driver for cooperation. Describing how these dynamics apply in the context of cooperation on transboundary rivers, the article traces the emergence of the general duty to cooperate in international water law as a legal response to the interdependence and coordination requirements in the management and development of shared water resources.
doi: 10.1080/02508060.2014.989681pmid: N/A
Based on a consideration of the interrelationships between cooperation, institutions and governance, this article explores the governance of transboundary wetlands, or wetlands within transboundary basins, and the potential role of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention) in the promotion of transboundary water cooperation.
doi: 10.1080/02508060.2014.990350pmid: N/A
For obvious reasons, upstream states have tended to favour the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization while downstream states invoke the duty to prevent significant transboundary harm. However, while downstream states seek to rely on ecosystem services safeguarded by upstream states, harm can flow in both directions with restrictions on water utilization impacting on upstream interests. Benefit-sharing arrangements which take account of emerging conceptual methodologies for ecosystems protection can play a major role in reconciling the interests of upstream and downstream states.
doi: 10.1080/02508060.2014.978970pmid: N/A
This article identifies three methods of Chinese investment in transboundary waters: (1) investment in waters upstream from its own state; (2) cooperative investment in a transboundary body of water in a neighbouring state; and (3) cooperative investment in a transboundary body of water which forms the border between two states. On the basis of this introduction, the article explores and analyzes the challenges faced by Chinese investments in transboundary waters and identifies approaches to respond to these challenges, including multilateral dispute settlement mechanisms, data sharing and communication, as well as following the general principles of international law.
doi: 10.1080/02508060.2014.986702pmid: N/A
Although formal law plays an increasing role in water governance in China, the political arena has a large influence upon it. This article seeks to provide a new perspective to understand water governance and what role formal laws play during China’s transition phase through the lens of the ‘Captain of the River’, a newly developed water governance instrument in China.
doi: 10.1080/02508060.2014.976329pmid: N/A
National interest, enhancing the nation’s wealth and welfare, and fostering development are factors cited for the awareness of the need of accurate and detailed topographic maps. These aspects are clearly spelt out in China’s Law No. 75 of 2002. An overview of the status of mapping in China in the context of overall management of its trans-boundary rivers is presented. Public access to these graphics is restricted in this regional context; they are available only to bona fide users. The importance of maps in the context of the trans-boundary water discourse is discussed.
Kattelus, Mirja; Kummu, Matti; Keskinen, Marko; Salmivaara, Aura; Varis, Olli
doi: 10.1080/02508060.2014.980029pmid: N/A
An overview is presented of the contemporary societal and environmental development situation in the six major transboundary river basins that drain south from China: the Red River, Mekong, Salween, Irrawaddy, Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Indus. The overall societal and environmental vulnerability of the basins is assessed using multidimensional river basin vulnerability analysis. The analysis shows that while China has a fairly low level of vulnerability in these basins, its downstream influence is substantial. This setting offers a plethora of opportunities for transboundary cooperation and calls for a high level of responsibility from the upstream riparian countries.
doi: 10.1080/02508060.2014.978974pmid: N/A
This study aims to evaluate the extent to which the cooperative relationship between China and the downstream countries in the Mekong River basin has evolved in relation to the various benefits shared between these riparian countries from the 1990s to the present. Benefit sharing is deployed as an analytical framework. Larger benefits obtained through cooperation have led China to become more cooperative with the downstream countries, as seen in the Greater Mekong Subregion programme. The establishment of a new form of cooperation in the river basin hinges upon the ability to share the socio-economic, political, and energy security benefits.
doi: 10.1080/02508060.2014.978971pmid: N/A
This article analyzes Turkey’s transboundary water policy by examining its institutional framework and basic principles. It explores the reasons why Turkey voted against the UN Watercourses Convention. Turkey’s harmonization with the water law of the European Union is also scrutinized with an aim to assess its implications for transboundary water policy making. Turkish water diplomacy faces new challenges, such as the devastating impacts of prolonged droughts as well as ongoing instability and conflicts in Syria and Iraq. Hence, it is imperative for Turkey to systematically reconcile its water policy objectives in accordance with the global norms that are adopted in this field.
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