Transboundary Water Research Articles

Impact of Türkiye’s Dam Construction on the Water Resources of the Transboundary Aras River Basin in Iran

Abstract The Aras River Basin, a significant transboundary river basin in the Caucasus region, is shared among four riparian countries, including Türkiye, Armenia, Iran, and Azerbaijan. Although positive measures have been taken to enhance water cooperation in this river basin, the Eastern Anatolia Project (DAP) and the hydraulic mission of Türkiye remain the primary factors that could potentially reverse the cooperative atmosphere of the basin and lead to conflict. In recent decades, Türkiye has utilised transboundary water resources to bolster its economic power, advance political strategies, and establish hydro-hegemony. Despite the significant Mega-Project and hydraulic mission of the upstream in the Aras River Basin, they have not received adequate attention in hydro politics studies. This study employs secondary sources to investigate Türkiye’s actions in the region. It discusses the implications of Türkiye’s projects on downstream riparian states in general and Iran’s water resources, including dam construction.

Policy instruments for governing water in cross-border metropolitan areas, the case of Greater Geneva

ABSTRACT Governing transboundary waters is inherently a complex policy issue. However, when waters flow through multiple urban spaces (multiple cities in different countries), it presents a unique challenge to access and control. Policy actors employ a variety of policy instruments to govern such spaces and users’ water demands. Drawing from the case of Geneva Metropolis (shared between Switzerland and France), we explain how policy instruments are formulated to manage a combination of water sources. We answer two questions: (1) what type of policy instruments contribute to reaching transboundary water governance in Greater Geneva? and (2) What are the underlying drivers that led to the success or failures of implementing policy instruments at the transboundary level? Based on policy documents and closed-door interviews, we present various policy instruments that have been developed and implemented in the Geneva metropolis. We further argue that the underlying drivers, such as the existence of communities of practice, political willingness, the influence of civil society actors and the evolution of an anticipatory water governance system, have influenced the policy instruments’ success and failure. To conclude, this article calls for further research on comparing different cross-border metropolitan areas, focusing on processual aspects (development and implementation) of policy instruments.

Are Transboundary Water Events Reported Differently in French and English News for Conflict and Cooperation Dynamics?

Media coverage of water events in transboundary river basins reflects the views of both riparian countries and beyond, and the conflict and cooperation dynamics could be biased due to the linguistic diversity. The aim of this study is to investigate whether any deviation exists in the depiction of water conflict and cooperation dynamics as reflected in the sentiments of French and English news articles, taking the Lancang–Mekong River basin and the Nile River basin as case studies. The results showed that news articles in English itself can reflect the trends of the cooperative or conflictive sentiments of the water events occurring within the basin, but French news is complementary in examining the attitudes and values of a few countries towards the shared river. The study would serve as an important reference for the perspective analysis of all riparian countries, as well as a basis for comprehending water conflict/cooperation dynamics in multiple languages.

Tracing water resources flows by complementary use of hydrological and water accounting models

AbstractHistorically, there has been a dispute over water allocation between users and policymakers in Iran's Zayandeh‐Roud Basin (ZRB). In this study, we used the “System of Environmental‐Economic Accounting for Water” (SEEAW) framework in combination with the hydrologic model “Soil and Water Assessment Tool” (SWAT) to achieve the water balance in ZRB. We used SEEAW to combine a wide range of water‐related statistics across stakeholders and SWAT to evaluate the unknown agricultural water use. The SWAT model is calibrated based on the stream flows and crop yields in the basin. The model assess the renewable water of the basin into two components, about 363 and 70 mm as green and blue water, respectively. Also results from the physical water supply and water use tables demonstrates that the agricultural sector uses 78% of the total renewable freshwater, followed by the residential, 16%, and the industrial sector, 6%. The flows of water from source to services in ZRB are traced based on the water supply and water use tables. The flow diagram shows that 8 MCM of industrial reused water was transferred to the agricultural sector, and 137 MCM and 18 MCM of water from the wastewater treatment plants to the agricultural and industrial sectors, respectively. Furthermore, the results show that the index of the basin dependence on groundwater resources is high (61%), the value of water stress is high (0.88) and the dependence of the basin on transboundary water resources is 30%. Therefore, this method is highly beneficial for achieving a conceptual water balance in disputed basins without enough agricultural water uses data.

Inclusive governance of hydropower on shared rivers? Toward an international legal geography of the Lower Mekong basin

Hydropower is now the largest source of renewable energy worldwide. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that current hydropower capacity will need to double by 2050 in order to transition to net zero and to arrest the rise of global temperatures at 1.5 degrees Celsius. Much of the currently built and planned dams are on rivers shared between two or more countries. This raises the risk of increased inter-state conflicts. However, to exploit hydropower peacefully, the impact on local communities must also be considered. This foregrounds the need to build inclusive institutions that can mediate the different interests, norms, and values held by communities located across different scales. The article examines the role of international river basin organizations to manage this legal pluralism in shared river basins. In many basins globally, such as the Lower Mekong, the Columbia, the Zambezi, or the Senegal, international river basin organizations are tasked with the development of shared water resources. To understand to what extent river basin organizations can mediate the legal pluralism in a shared basin, the article develops an international legal geography approach to the governance of transboundary waters in an attempt to uncover marginalization and disempowerment in the process of law-making. It therefore expands the analytical scope of legal geography to the study of transnational spaces, in this case complex ecosystems for which there are no fixed jurisdictional boundaries. It then applies this approach to the case study of the Lower Mekong basin. Findings indicate that the Mekong River Commission, despite attempts to include project-affected people in decision-making, largely operates within a Westphalian framework of sovereignty to the detriment of more inclusive forms of governance. Project affected communities are largely unable to exert influence and are relegated to participation in alternative forums. These forums, or counter publics as Yong called them, are disconnected from official processes. While they give rise to marginalized voices and enable the creation of inclusive and participatory spaces, the exclusionary official decision-making processes continue to produce significant tension and conflict potential as hydropower is championed globally as a clean, climate friendly form of energy. As hydropower is set to double by 2050, inclusive participatory institutions in basins worldwide must be built to navigate complex stakeholder interests and to benefit those who are otherwise likely to lose out in net zero transitions. These findings are relevant for other shared basins, particularly across Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America where hydropower is booming. An international approach to legal geography can foreground these hidden and marginalized voices and help identify ways to build inclusive institutions for the governance of shared resources.

Seawater intrusion assessment in the Bir Guendouz-Boulanoire coastal transboundary aquifers of Morocco and Mauritania

The Bir Guendouz region, situated in Southern Morocco, is affected by saltwater intrusion. The transboundary aquifer is shared by Morocco and Mauritania, and it serves as the primary source of freshwater in this arid region. To differentiate between freshwater and saltwater areas, 750 non-invasive vertical electrical soundings (VES) were utilized along 42 perpendiculars to the coast. Dar-Zarrouk parameters—transverse resistance (Tr), longitudinal conductance (S), and longitudinal resistivity (ρl)— were determined using VES. These techniques remove uncertainties in resistivity interpretation that may arise due to the overlap between freshwater and saline aquifers during the process of suppression and equivalence. The results indicate a significant marine intrusion in the Bir Guendouz-Boulanoire aquifer, with varying degrees of salinization observed in different zones. Freshwater zones are identified by a transverse resistance of over 4450 Ω m2, a longitudinal conductance below 41.7 mho, and a longitudinal resistivity greater than 8.7 Ω m. These characteristics can be used to prevent saltwater intrusion and ensure the sustainable use of groundwater resources. Furthermore, they will aid in improving resource management between the two nations. The study's consequences also involve safeguarding the ecosystem and ensuring the longevity of these transboundary water resources. Therefore, for researchers, professionals, and decision-makers involved in sustainable management of transboundary groundwater, this study serves as a crucial reference.

Challenges and prospects of transboundary river water conservation and watershed protection in Ethiopia: The case of the upper Blue Nile

This article aims to present the challenges and prospects of transboundary river water conservation and watershed protection in the Upper Blue Nile basin. The River Nile Basin embraces eleven countries shaping their diverse environments and playing a vital role in the livelihoods of its inhabitants. Within this context sharing and managing the River Nile water resources has been a persistent challenge and a potential source of conflict. The Blue Nile River is shared by Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt and for the latter it is the life artery as the majority of the water reaching Egypt comes from the Blue Nile. Only Egypt and Sudan have an agreement to share the water and there is a need to revisit this mode of resource use based on water allocation among the River Nile countries and especially for the Blue Nile. Nevertheless, these issues have not been resolved and have exacerbated by the commencement and near operation of the GERD. Another important aspect dealt with in this article is the conservation and watershed protection. The study used a qualitative research approach, and data were collected through key informant interviews. Different relevant secondary sources are also consulted. The data were analyzed based on a thematic analysis approach. The key finding of this study was that, despite the Ethiopian unilateral intervention inadequacy to deal with the problem of environmental degradation and water conservation in the Blue Nile Basin neither Ethiopia nor regional institutions like ENTRO attempted to shed light on the impacts of this problem if remained unaddressed. Moreover, Ethiopia and regional actors are void of designing a clear road map to overcome the cloud of mistrust and struggle to dominate the Nile water use which undermined hope for joint action against the common problem that jeopardize the interests of all the basin states. On the other hand the Ethiopian effort to safeguard the shared Nile water resource in the Blue Nile basin yield modest results it may encourage the basin countries to cooperate over the use and management of the Nile water. Hence, the inadequacy of Ethiopia's sole effort to conserve and protect the Upper Nile watershed calls for Ethiopian water management policy and water diplomacy to push for the collaboration of the downstream states as the threats to the Nile water supply are common threats to all Nile basin states' national water security.

Pollution Load Coordination and Eco-Compensation for Trans-Boundary Water Pollution Control: The Case of the Tri-Border Region of the Yangtze Delta

A partitioned governance mode, in the absence of multilateral cooperation, always culminates in recurring instances of trans-boundary conflicts and critical degradation of water bodies in border regions. Addressing the existing gaps in quantitative trans-boundary pollution control research in extensive river network, a new approach was designed to strategically guide water pollution control initiatives throughout the entire tri-border region of the Yangtze Delta (TBYD) via the following steps: (1) Building upon an analysis of the trans-boundary river hydrodynamics, the tri-border effective coordination scope (TECS), i.e., a strategic coordination scope for coordinated pollution control, was delineated, and 13 county-level administrative districts were identified as effective contributing regions for detailed coordination. (2) Considering water quality standard (WQS) attainment in the trans-boundary cross-sections, a one-dimensional mathematical model covering the complex river network was established. Then, the load capacities for all the contributing administrative regions were determined to facilitate coordinated pollution load reduction across the TECS. (3) Leveraging from the sewage treatment costs within the TECS, a standardized eco-compensation criterion was established to guide the coordinated compensation practices across the TECS. (4) By comparing the practical pollution discharging amount, the coordinated load reduction rates and eco-compensation payments of all 13 contributing administrative districts for trans-boundary pollution control were assessed. These assessments will guide policy promulgation and provide quantitative data support for harmonizing pollution control policymaking and addressing intricate trans-boundary pollution issues in complex river networks.

Exploring nonlinear responses of lake nutrients and algal blooms to restoration measures: A three-dimensional flux network modelling approach

Excessive anthropogenic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) inputs accelerate harmful algal blooms (HABs) and pose a significant global threat to lake ecosystems. Despite the adoption of extensive restoration measures to improve water quality, their effects on nutrient cycles and the underlying pathways remain unclear. In this study, a three-dimensional nutrient flux modelling approach was developed based on a validated Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) model and the Spatiotemporal Integral for Nutrient Networks (SINN) to compute nutrient storages and fluxes in lakes. We then conducted a scenario analysis, composed of 10 schemes, to assess the eight restoration measures in Lake Dianchi, China. The results showed that our model exhibited a high level of agreement with observed data and fluxes reported in previous studies. Of all the measures implemented, pollution interception by lakeshore wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) accounted for the largest historical improvements in water quality, with reductions of total nitrogen (TN) by 9.3%, total phosphorus (TP) by 36.4%, and chlorophyll a (Chla) by 18.2%. Furthermore, combined implementation of transboundary water transfer and wastewater diversion contributed to a reduction of 13.3% in TN, 11.5% in TP, and 6.2% in Chla. To achieve greater improvements in water quality, efforts must be made to improve the emission standard of WWTPs and ensure compliance with water quality standard of inflow rivers. The cyanobacteria biomass catch can only be used as a supplementary approach to restrict the HAB peaks. The nonlinear responses of lakes were characterized by large loading abatement but slight changes in water quality. Through the SINN approach, we revealed that weakened internal cycling was the primary driver of water quality improvements in all restoration measures. Further analysis demonstrated that measures targeting reducing external loadings significantly weakened internal cycling processes. In contrast, measures targeting the internal loadings, such as sediment dredging, exhibited limited effectiveness in reducing the intensity of internal cycling and Chla in the lake. For eutrophic lakes with substantial legacy nutrients, the abatement of external loadings remains the principal strategy. The approach presented in this study can be used to assess and optimize lake restoration measures.

China's transboundary hydropower development at home and abroad: exploring the regulatory interface between international water law and international economic law

China, located upstream on most of the major transboundary waters shared with vast populations across Asia, is heavily invested in developing hydropower at home and abroad. Some of this hydropower development involves freshwaters that cross national borders raising complex issues in international law, a situation exacerbated by growing economic, environmental, and regional security pressures. In such a context, where conflicts-of-use are almost certain to arise, it is essential to understand the rules that apply so as to enhance opportunities for enhanced transboundary water cooperation. This paper examines the rules of international water law and international economic law that apply to transboundary hydropower development, with a focus on China as one of the key actors in this field. The aim is to examine the regulatory interface of relevant legal frameworks with a focus on China's approach to transboundary hydropower development at home and abroad. While international economic—and more specifically international investment law—is not directly concerned with international water law, host states and foreign investors must be informed, and take into account, the legal obligations governing transboundary waters. China's position as a major water user (at home) and significant investor (abroad) on transboundary waters, makes it a unique case study for exploring the rules of international law that apply in two different regulatory settings. The work examines the rules of law in each of these domains and reveals the inapparent linkages across these seemingly unconnected areas of international regulation.

Transboundary hydropower projects: allocation of competence and cooperation between the federation and its federating units in Switzerland

(i) The Swiss Constitution places cantons (federating units) in charge of managing all water uses. At the same time, it gives the federation decision-making authority over transboundary water uses, including for hydropower purposes. (ii) It further mandates the Federation to consult and consider the concerns and interests of the affected cantons when deciding on transboundary hydropower projects. (iii) Aside from the possibility of intertwining competence between the Federation and cantons on the transboundary hydropower project, the situation creates ambiguity around the obligation to consult between parties on such projects. (iv) Cooperation in good faith in implementing relevant procedural rules of consultation between parties seems to be the most promising approach to finding solutions acceptable to all.

THE GUARANI AQUIFER IN SANTA CATARINA

This is a study about the Guarani Aquifer in the state of Santa Catarina. Groundwater is a very important source both for its economic and social value. It is known that drinking water is an essential natural resource for the maintenance of life on the planet, but that it is becoming scarce due to factors such as irregular rains, climatic conditions, combined with population growth and irrational use. Thus, a bibliographic research is carried out in order to deepen the knowledge about the Guarani Aquifer System, its location and its use in that State. This study addresses: water as a precious liquid; groundwater and aquifer formation and more specifically the Guarani Aquifer its characteristics, uses and vulnerability and its connection with the Serra Geral Aquifer System in Santa Catarina. It also points out the importance of the involvement of the countries that are part of the Guarani Aquifer (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay) in the search for more effective and controlled ways to use these transboundary waters.

International Experience in the Use of Transboundary Water Resources and Issues of its Regulation

The article analyzes the ecological problems of regulating the use of transboundary waters and its protection. The contents of the documents accepted by the international community were studied. At the same time, the state environmental policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding transboundary waters and the tasks it has set for itself have been studied, and suggestions for their improvement have been given. The methods used in this research were interviews and surveys where interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including government officials, local activists, and the general public in Uzbekistan. Use surveys to collect quantitative data about public perception and awareness regarding changing views about the value of water. In summary, effective international cooperation, clear legal regulations, the establishment of a monitoring commission, and comprehensive protection measures are essential for the sustainable management of transboundary water resources in Central Asia.

Analysis of modern problems of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of environmental management and environmental safety

Aim. The problems of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of nature management and environmental safety are considered. Possible directions for the development of cooperation both at the interstate and interregional levels of border territories are presented. Purpose is to analyse the current state of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of environmental management and environmental safety. Material and Methods. The main results were obtained using a systematic approach through field geographical research, comparative historical and comparative typological analysis, etc. Materials regarding water resources, reservoirs and statistical indicators of the dynamics and structure of water use were used. Results. The main problems in the field of nature management and environmental safety of the two countries were identified. The prospects of interstate cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan at the interstate and regional levels on transboundary environmental problems and sustainable use of land and water resources, protection of wildlife are identified and substantiated. Based on a retrospective analysis of the experience of interaction between the two countries and possible prospects for cooperation, concepts and directions for the development of strategic partnership in field of cross‐border nature management and environmental safety of transboundary water bodies, and the conservation of migratory species of wildlife are proposed. Conclusions. The modern post–virgin space is confidently transforming into an agro‐export one – an analogue of the virgin one at a new technological and climatic stage with an export orientation in the face of new challenges. The further development of this space should be based on the optimisation of agriculture and water use, taking into account the preservation of natural diversity.

Book Review — A Transboundary Water Management that Works: Review of the Book Border Water by Steve Mumme

Book Review — A Transboundary Water Management that Works: Review of the Book <i>Border Water</i> by Steve Mumme

Transnational governance standards in ensuring sustainable development and operation of hydropower projects in transboundary basins

The notion of “transnational” law encompasses a sophisticated corpus of globally applicable rules, standards and safeguards, often informal in origin, which are widely accepted around the world and supported across a range of business sectors and civil society constituencies. The recent proliferation of such “transnational” law extends to the hydropower sector, where normative standards and safeguards increasingly apply to promote and certify sustainable practices in the development and operation of hydropower projects. Such projects are associated with significant environmental and social impacts and the projected increase in hydropower investments, mainly in emerging economies, will require effective supplemental regulatory tools. Many such projects will be located in, or impact upon, international rivers, thereby adding a further layer of complexity regarding their effective regulation and increased the risk of inter-State disputes over the equitable use of shared waters. Such complexity and risk will be exacerbated by increased uncertainty due to climate change. Thus, the existence of widely accepted transnational standards, which are relevant and applicable to hydropower development globally, can play a key role in building trust between watercourse States and in promoting greater transboundary water cooperation. This article explores the potential role of transnational standards in improved regulation of environmental and social impacts associated with hydropower projects located on international watercourses and the extent to which such standards cohere with established and emerging requirements of international water law. It thus examines the synergies arising between these informal and formal regulatory frameworks with a view to developing a better understanding of their interaction in practice. In so doing, it focuses on two key categories of applicable transnational regime: a sustainability certification and labeling scheme dedicated to hydropower projects and operated by the Hydropower Sustainability Council; and MDB environmental and social safeguard standards imposed upon major water-related projects, including hydropower projects, particularly those adopted by the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Environmental Radioactivity, Ecotoxicology (238U, 232Th and 40K) and Potentially Toxic Elements in Water and Sediments from North Africa Dams

The natural radioactivity of 238U, 232Th and 40K was measured in water and sediment samples collected from Sidi Salem dam (Tunisia) and Aïn Dalia dam (Algeria) in the Tuniso-Algerian transboundary basin. The samples were measured using a TERRA detector of gamma, beta, and alpha rays, and atomic absorption and gamma-ray spectrometry were used to analyze the levels of radionuclides and toxic elements, respectively. Potentially toxic elements (Fe, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu and Cd) and associated health risks in surface water and sediment of dams were investigated in this present study. The concentrations of Fe, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu and Cd in surface water ranged from 5.430 to 9.700 mg·L−1, 0.022 to 0.168, 0.018 to 0.142, 0.065 to 0.366, BDL to 0.0351, BDL to 0.071 and BDL to 0.048 mg·L−1, respectively. In the sediments, the concentrations of Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd and Cr were of the order of 136.7, 3.41, 3.22, 0.213, 0.182, 0.15 mg·L−1 and BDL, respectively. The mean radioactivity rates in the water samples were 1.72, 0.068 and 94.6 Bq·L−1 for 238U, 232Th and 40K, respectively (Tunisia dam), and were 1.9, 0.09 and 131.43 Bq·L−1 for 238U, 232Th and 40K, respectively (Algeria dam). The mean 238U, 232Th and 40K radioactivity concentrations measured in the sediment samples were 2.67, 0.18 and 197.87 Bq·kg−1, respectively (Tunisian dam), and were 4.34, 0.27 and 287.61 Bq·kg−1, respectively (Algeria dam). The activity concentration of 40K was higher than that of 238U and 232Th for the water and sediment samples. The activity concentrations follow the order 40K &gt; 238U &gt; 232Th. The cumulative impact of these radio-geochemical elements can cause immediate serious problems in the ecosystem due to their high potential toxicity to the environment and human health in this study area and can be transposable to any other similar region. A good knowledge of monitoring quality and quantity for transboundary water resources and international collaborations are essential to safeguard human health (women’s breast cancer, thyroid cancer, neurological impact) and avoid conflicts, especially during climatic upheavals of drought.

Responsibility-sharing and compensation scheme of transboundary water pollution embodied in China's inter-provincial trade: a perspective from economic value capturing.

Transboundary water pollution induced by inter-regional trade is a complex and challenging issue due to the multiple jurisdictions involved. This study combined water pollution discharge inventory, multi-regional input-output analysis, discharge responsibility-sharing, and ecological compensation model to advance the collaborative control of water pollution embodied in China's inter-provincial trade. Over a fifth of China's water pollution discharges in 2017, equivalent to 1376 Kt, were a result of inter-provincial trade, which primarily flowed from wealthier coastal provinces to less developed ones. Moreover, the analysis demonstrates a mismatch between economic gains and environmental costs. In particular, Jiangxi and Guangxi bear the greatest environmental impact (64 and 58 Kt, respectively) while only receiving meager economic returns (131 and 80 billion Yuan). The economic benefit shared responsibility results for the great majority of provinces fell between production- and consumption-based discharges, and this compromise-based allocation of responsibility is more likely to gain acceptance across various regions. Provinces such as Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Beijing necessitate the highest compensation volumes to others, with 31 Kt, 25 Kt, and 20 Kt, respectively, while provinces including Guangxi, Jiangxi, and Ningxia require the largest inflows of compensation, totaling 26 Kt, 23 Kt, and 18 Kt, respectively. The compensation outcomes ensure that less developed regions, bearing a greater pollution burden, receive compensation from more developed regions with lower pollution burdens. The compensation values aligned with compensation volumes, with a few exceptions driven by variations in shadow prices of water pollution. Our study sheds light on the inter-provincial water pollution burdens and benefits and provides a quantitative basis for optimizing the responsibility-sharing and compensation strategies in China, thereby promoting regional cooperation on water pollution control.

Legal bases of the Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The relevance of the research topic is due to the fact that water security in recent years has been included in the list of global risks of modernity, which requires effective water resources management. In particular, in the Republic of Kazakhstan, this issue has been one of the most acute recently. To date, there are a number of unresolved issues at the inter-national level of water resources management in the republic, as almost all freshwater resources of the country are transboundary in nature, and almost half of them are formed on the territory of neighbouring states. The purpose of this study is to analyse the existing problems in transnational water resources management in the Republic of Kazakhstan and to develop directions for their solution. The research methods include normative-legal method, expert, factual method, content analysis, comparison, generalisation, classification, synthesis and analysis. The article presents the state of water resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the present stage of development, including those of transboundary nature. The management of water resources of the republic, including at the inter-national level, is characterised, and problems in this area are revealed. Thus, the main problems to date have been attributed to: dependence on transboundary flows from the territories of neighbouring countries, primarily China and Russia, in recent years increasingly polluting rivers and increasing the volume of water withdrawal, significant wear and tear of infrastructure, low level of automation and digitalisation of management, low efficiency of control over the implementation of measures for the rational use of water resources. To solve the problems, recommendations have been proposed and promising directions for the development of transnational water resources management have been considered, which will contribute to improving the efficiency of transboundary water resources use.

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam dispute: implications, negotiations, and mediations

ABSTRACT The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has created disputes between the Nile River's lower and upper riparian zones in North Africa. Ethiopia sees the GERD as a project to prosper, while Egypt considers that it will imperil the country’s economy. After the African Union (AU) failed to resolve the disputes over GERD, the matter reached to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which, after discussions, stated that the matter should be resolved at the regional level. This paper examines the theoretical and conceptual aspects of transboundary river waters and why riparian states shy away from cooperative arrangements. The paper then discusses the history of water disputes in the Nile Basin region and analyses the history of water distribution and projects in North and eastern Africa. Finally, the paper analyses the role of other countries, the AU, and the UNSC in disputes over the GERD project.