by Rhonda Fabian

Water Cooperation agreements are becoming increasingly important and there are numerous examples where transboundary waters have proved to be a source of cooperation rather than conflict.

Mobilizing political will and commitment to address water issues worldwide is critical now, and new ways are needed to approach local, regional and international cooperation, including strong citizen participation in decision-making. The people who rely on waterways for survival and livelihood should be the first ones consulted on its fair use at the local, bioregional and international levels. And all decisions have to be made in a way that respects the biophysical limits of the earth.