Water Agreements in Southeast Asia - Assignment Example

About 70% of the world’s freshwater finds its use in irrigation and other agricultural activities. Industries consume approximately 20%. Other than the effects of global warming, there is an emerging trend of water privatization by corporations. The private sector is providing water on a profit basis. As a result, there has been a lot of destruction of water reservoirs in the ecosystem (Kalpakian 174).

Tension over water control
The global water crisis has resulted in tension in countries having a shared water system. Several countries striving for economic growth compete in claiming water sources leading to rivalry. In South Asia, the Ganges and Indus Rivers are causing tension between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (Kalpakian 176). Both Pakistan and India are constructing hydroelectric plants along the Kishanganga River. Pakistan is weary that the Indian dams will inhibit adequate water flow to their site. This dispute between Pakistan and India has led to Pakistanis militants killing over 100 Indians.

Water is important to both these nations. Pakistan, the populous country relies on irrigation while India has many hydroelectric projects that are involved in harnessing electricity for industrial use. Moreover, in central Asia, there are also water disputes between Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan who are fighting for control of the Syr Daria and Amu Daria Rivers. The Nile basin is also in dispute. The other Nile countries want a share of the Nile, which is currently under the control of Sudan and Egypt (Kalpakian 176).

Mediation of water resources by UNESCO

The tension arising in several countries because of the competition for water poses a challenge. UNESCO advocates for non-confrontation resolution of conflicts. In addition, it advocates for the communal philosophy (Lee 231). This dispute-resolution approach encourages the stakeholders of a common water source to come together in managing and developing that source. Mechanisms of conflict resolution regarding the water source are vital too. UNESCO dispute resolution in water conflict advocates for peaceful negotiation between the aggrieved parties. It is now calling for international cooperation between countries to increase water productivity. Cooperation is important in technology and financing water projects in developing countries. Treatment of wastewater is important as it puts minimal stress on freshwater sources (Lee 231).

Water agreements in Southeast Asia

There have been several negotiations leading to the signing of water treaties in Southeast Asia. These associations in Transboundary waters have led to cooperation in most countries leading to a reduction in conflict. Despite the enmity, some countries have upheld water agreements. India and Pakistan survived because of the resolutions made by the Indus River Commission. However, most countries have failed to uphold agreements. International efforts have also failed to procure lasting solutions to the conflict because of the distrust between countries. The Almaty agreement signed by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan is outdated and ineffective (Vajpeyi 94). Read More