Implementing International Watercourses Law through the WEF Nexus and SDGs

Abstract

The governance of international watercourses has to overcome diverse social, economic, religious and ethnic differences traversing across international borders. At the same time, a balance must be struck between complex trade-offs and needs while protecting the longevity of the watercourse and its ecosystem. Cooperation is therefore essential in the management of such watercourses, often guided by the principles of international watercourses law (IWL). Yet, in many ways, IWL provides only a broad framework for states to follow and is not sufficient to systematically consider the trade-offs of water use across multiple sectors such as energy and food. This gap could