The role of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty for shared water management

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the important role of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty – ACT for the management of the Amazon shared river basin. There are challenges in the organizational and operational structure that need to be address. This article also focus on the major historical milestones during the 35 years of the treaty, which represent a breakthrough for shared water management in the region. In the last part, the rules and principles of internal and international law applicable to the ACT countries are analyzed. It concludes that, on one hand, it is important updating the internal laws of water management in the Amazon countries, and on the other, it is also important the adaptation to general principals of international law, and more specifically, to integrated and participatory principles in the field of shared river basins management is also essential to guide the economic, social and environmental development of the Amazon region.