A study into enforcement mechanisms in transboundary water treaties - Essay Example

Transboundary water resources provide for water for human consumption, agriculture, power generation and industry. In addition, transboundary water bodies sustain ecosystems that enrich humans and provide natural channels for navigation and the carriage of goods. Thus, proper management and utilisation of transboundary water resources requires broad cooperation amongst States sharing these natural resources and agreements relating to such arrangements must allow for monitoring, dispute resolution and enforcement.

Without proper enforcement mechanisms, conflict is likely and this can be very costly for all concerned. This dissertation presents a discussion about enforcement mechanisms that are available in international law for global treaties for management of transboundary water bodies and basin practices that assist with sustainable management of such freshwater bodies. I certify that, except where cited in the text, this work is the result of research carried out by the author of this study. The main content of the study which has been presented contains work that has not previously been reported anywhere.

Water is important for all humanity because the role played by water in the natural world is very fundamental (Varis, 2008, Pp. 1 – 2). Water circulates in the atmosphere, rivers, lakes, the soil and rocks carrying chemical substances and energy to support the ecosystems of the world. Billions of people around the world depend on freshwater systems for their water needs. Because water is essential for human existence, access to water is one of the most complicated challenges faced by humanity today.

Rivers and lakes are the main sources for freshwater for people around the world, but substantial rivers and lakes are often not located within a single political boundary. A rapidly increasing global population has presented a dramatic increase in the number of users of the hydrological