Part III The Major Cases and Controversies: A Survey of State Practice, 7 Selected Case Studies

Subject(s):

Freshwater — Lakes — Rivers — Specific treaties

This chapter provides descriptions of past or present controversies between states concerning non-navigational uses of international watercourses. Some of the controversies considered have been settled while others are ongoing and show no signs of an imminent resolution. Eight of the eighteen drainage basins examined are now governed by treaties dealing with the problem that gave rise to the dispute in question. In all of the cases reviewed, the disputes were matters of high national interest, engaging the attention of government officials, diplomats, and scholars alike. Indeed, several of the controversies were brought before the United Nations, usually with good effect. Ultimately, some of the basins will probably receive increasing international attention as expanding populations, climate change, and upstream development efforts combine to place further demands on already scarce water resources.