The key messages from this policy brief include: „
Internationally shared watercourses are important for the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of over 70 per cent of the world’s population, therefore states must cooperate to resolve problems and share limited resources.
The duty to cooperate is central to international law.
International agreements and rules of customary law can help sovereign states reconcile competing claims and the UN has produced three key instruments which provide guidance for this.
Each state is obliged to ensure, equitable and reasonable use of shared waters.
The potential for effective cooperation is increased when relevant institutional mechanisms are established and supported.