Joint institutional arrangements for addressing transboundary water resources issues—lessons for the GEF

摘要: The lofty goals of the 1992 Earth Summit regarding sustainable development will not be achieved without major improvements in management transboundary water resources. This paper describes serious nature water-related conflicts and environmental damage associated with degradation marine ecosystems, coastal zones, shared surface/groundwater systems. Traditional approaches such as international conventions, watercourse agreements basin organizations, arbitration have generally fallen short their objectives. article suggests that a middle ground centered on multicountry institutional arrangements for joint fact finding, evaluation, problem resolution may more productive approach over term to achieve development. experience International Joint Commission (Canada U.S.) is described way providing neutral building trust among nations, ‘leveling playing field’ small large countries, mechanisms countries work jointly toward resources relinquishing sovereignty. Global Environment Facility (GEF) catalytic role assisting address issues. GEF's Operational Strategy discusses implications waters focal area. Given security many nations rests improved cooperation, GEF provides pragmatic opportunity cooperatively these pressing problems.