Problems of Groundwater Extraction from Transboundary Aquifers and Complexes

Abstract

Water is one of the most important vital types of natural resources used in almost all spheres of life and human activity. It is the availability of water that determines development of industry and agriculture. Its selection and irretrievable losses can have a significant impact on the state of the natural environment. Geology of the earth's surface is arranged in such a way that boundaries of groundwater aquifers and complexes distribution do not coincide with the boundaries of states, and therefore extraction of this priceless resource must be regulated at the international level. The development of a unified universal concept for groundwater production, namely the system of state regulation, monitoring, taxation and planning should be based on the experience of advanced countries such as Russia, Germany, France, etc., where a vast experience of scientific and research activity is accumulated. Many international conflicts can be prevented if one approaches the problems of subsoil use on the basis of a general agreement. The aim of the research is development of an international conceptual model for groundwater production management through regulation of specification systems, monitoring, licensing, control of groundwater extraction. Features of groundwater extraction from transboundary aquifers are considered, international experience of conflict regulation in this sphere is reviewed, recommendations and prerequisites for the development of an international system for the groundwater extraction management are given.