Current challenges in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin: Old disputes in a new century

Abstract

The Rio Grande River traverses 2000 kilometres of the international border between Mexico and the United States. The river and its tributaries are governed by a series of border treaties and institutions, as well as under the domestic laws of each nation. Often lauded for enabling innovative and collaborative governance, in recent years the complicated regime has come under pressure as domestic and international water governance institutions struggle under the strain of climate change, population growth, and other stressors on water supply and demand in the region. This chapter considers three of the major challenges currently facing the Rio Grande River Basin and its riparians: (1) groundwater and ground-surface interactions and related practical and policy implications; (2) engagement with local and regional stakeholders; and (3) Mexico's latest water debt under the 1944 Treaty. It also identifies shortcomings in the regime to address these concerns, as well as innovative responses and solutions that have been crafted at various levels of governance.