here is a rich literature to explain why transboundary river and aquifer cooperation happens or does not happen. However, with few exceptions, the literature does not distinguish among the many levels of cooperation.
Transboundary river and aquifer use and management cooperation is a continuum of stages that range from informal exchanges of information between riparian states to participation in a formal, on-going allocation and management legal framework.
Transboundary river and aquifer cooperation among basin-aquifer states is a central element of the merging water security framework endorsed by the GWP.
The standard of cooperation measurement most consistent with the achievement of basin-wide and state water security is an output standard.
To contribute to the water security of basin states, cooperation must produce measurable benefits. Cooperation for cooperation’s sake will not necessarily provide the benefits. Some benefits, such as shared hydropower revenues or a firm allocation, will be immediately measurable while others, such as the restoration of ecosystem services, will take more time to be measured, but can still be significant.
Measurable cooperation benefits generally require a legal framework.
International water law provides a three-pronged framework for cooperation: • The core principle of equitable and reasonable use prohibits any one basin state from monopolising the supply of a river, lake, or aquifer • Riparian states undertaking an activity are subject to specific cooperation duties with the affected states • Where there is an existing binding basin use and management instrument, there is an emerging customary duty upon all basin nations to cooperate to achieve the objectives of the instrument.
There are many examples of paper or incomplete cooperation as well as numerous examples of the failure to cooperate. However, there are examples of cooperation that have produced immediate benefits, promises in the future,
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or provide a framework to adapt to changed conditions, such as climate change-induced droughts or floods.
These examples provide useful precedents for river basin authorities and riparian states trying to better manage a water resource in a manner that promotes water security.