Transboundary Water Resources Management

Transboundary Water Resources Management provides a framework for managing water resources across national boundaries. Other critical institutional responses to address some present-day water challenges include commitment to International, Regional and Basin Level Agreements, effective National Water Laws and regulations governing access and use of water, and creation of a knowledge-base for basin managers to make informed decisions. Flexibility in International Agreements allows for adjustments in response to both gradual and sudden changes within a transboundary river basin. Benefit Sharing presents an alternative to the traditional transboundary water management paradigm. Examples of River Basin Organisations at various stages of development are presented for the Orange-Senqu, Nile, Danube, and Mekong rivers.

Chapter Summary

This chapter covers the following concepts and material:

• Key International Agreements (protocols, treaties and conventions) governing Transboundary Water Resources Management, including mechanisms for Flexibility within international agreements;
• The nature and necessity for Bilateral Agreements;
• Objectives of Basin Level Agreements;
• The concept of Benefit Sharing; and
• Examples of Transboundary River Basin Organisations.

The Kunene River forms part of the border between Angola and Namibia.

Source: Kellner 2008

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