The hydro-vulnerability of Europe is governed by the institutions created to resolve transboundary water issues in a cooperative manner that attempts to prevent potential conflict. Institutional capacity through water management bodies, treaties or generally positive international relations, is possibly more important than the physical environment for minimising hydropolitical vulnerability and conflict on the one hand, and strengthening resilience and cooperation on the other hand. This publication aims at a broader promotion and dissemination of assessed information and data that can support informed policy-making.

In Africa, most major rivers, freshwater lakes, and aquifers are shared by two or more countries. These nations are becoming increasingly vulnerable to conflict, and their vulnerabilities are made more acute by climatic variations in precipitation, increasing urbanization, industrialization and environmental degradation. The concept of resilience and vulnerability as it relates to water resources is tackled in this report within the framework of sustainability and relates to the ability of the human and bio-physical systems to adapt to change.

Water is a unique and vital source, for which there is no substitute. Sustainable development of this rich resource in the region is complex as the distribution of water to all nations is heterogeneous, which increases the risk of being used or adapted inequitably. In recent years the sustainability discourse has broadened to include human systems. The purpose of this publication on hydropolitical vulnerability and resilience along international is to warrant broader promotion and dissemination of assessed information and data in order to support informed policy-making and provide a model for the regions that face similar water challenges.

Water scarcity heightens the potential for conflicts among riparian countries in Asia and increases their vulnerability. A regional water resource cooperation mechanism would enhance collaboration and increase resilience so that water becomes an instrument for cooperation and unity rather than conflict. This publication provides an insightful assessment of the hydropolitical atmosphere in Asia and offers lessons to enhance future cooperation mechanisms.--Publisher's description.

This book provides the first comprehensive assessment of the various issues faced by countries in the European Union, where progressing climate change and urbanization pose significant cooperative challenges in a large number of river basins. Conducting a thorough analysis of the intricate web of EU water governance, it reveals that the hydropolitical stability of the European Union is already at risk. Further, given the structural nature of the shortcomings in EU water policy—e.g. the rigidity of the EU’s founding treaties or the institutional complacency of the European Commission—the book argues that these risks are likely to turn into sources of prolonged conflict, unless EU decision-making bodies take steps to address the new hydrological realities early on.

This volume reviews the experience of cooperation in five international river basins, focusing on the perceptions of risks and opportunities by decision makers in countries responding to a specific prospect of cooperation. For each basin, the analysis centered on “tipping points,” or periods in time when policymakers in the countries involved were faced with a critical decision concerning water cooperation. This study was inspired, in part, by the intensified involvement of the World Bank and development partners in shared international waters, resulting in a growing interest to better understand the political economy surrounding regional cooperation deals over water. While the associated economic benefits and costs of cooperation are generally well analyzed, the perceptions of decision makers regarding political risks and opportunities have been much less explored. Responding to this knowledge gap, this study looked at the political dimension of cooperation over international waters, beginning with perceived risks. Five categories of perceived risk were analyzed: 1) Capacity and Knowledge; 2) Accountability and Voice; 3) Sovereignty and Autonomy; 4) Equity and Access; and 5) Stability and Support. All five categories of risk were found to exert a significant influence on cooperation decisions, indicating that perceived risks were a core consideration for decision makers in countries. Furthermore, cooperation was more likely when risks were reduced, or opportunities created for political gains. This has important implications for development partners' engagement in shared international waters. Partners are advised to conduct risk assessments in consultation with countries involved, and devise plans for reducing perceived risks. Suggested measures for partner action are also included. In addition to the discussions of risk and enhancing the potential for cooperation, this volume offers some important lessons on supporting cooperation. First, cooperation can take several years of planning and confidence building, often before negotiations even begin. Thus, a long-term time commitment by partners is likely required. Finally, deals are dynamic. Once a deal is reached, the situation does not become static: deals can be fragile and fall apart or evolve and grow into stronger and more sustainable arrangements. Accordingly, periodic assessments are needed to reflect changing realities and as inputs for a revised strategy.

The GIWA Final Report provides a comprehensive review of the most important findings from the GIWA regional reports. It summarises the major transboundary concerns and their environmental and socio-economic impacts. To better understand these concerns and develop solutions to address them, the Report identifies the root causes and draws policy relevant conclusions. It also outlines knowledge gaps which impede the sustainable management of international waters.