International Water Law

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/international-water-law

Introduction

### Course Review: International Water Law on Coursera In an era where water scarcity and transboundary water management increasingly dominate the global agenda, the course "International Water Law" on Coursera emerges as a critical and timely educational opportunity. This course comprehensively addresses the dynamics of international law as it relates to freshwater resources, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate this complex field. #### Course Overview The "International Water Law" course delves into the evolution and significance of international regulations concerning freshwater management, exploring both historical contexts and contemporary challenges. The curriculum primarily focuses on the principles governing transboundary water resources, aiming to foster awareness among students of the instruments established to manage shared water bodies. With nearly 276 rivers and lakes crossing national boundaries and many groundwater sources shared between states, understanding international water law is essential for promoting cooperation and preventing conflicts over these vital resources. #### Detailed Syllabus Breakdown **Module 1: Introduction to International Water Law** The introductory module sets the stage by articulating the necessity of international legislation in harmonizing the management of shared water resources. It outlines various challenges related to freshwater management and provides insights into how water can serve as a unifying factor among states rather than a source of conflict. The module concludes with a quiz that tests your understanding of these foundational concepts. **Module 2: The Evolution of the International Regulation on Fresh Water Resources** This module provides a historical perspective by showcasing pivotal milestones in the development of international water regulation. Key conventions like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses and the UNECE Convention gain due attention. By examining these frameworks, students will learn about the role of international organizations in promoting water security. **Module 3 & 4: The Principles of the Law on Transboundary Water Resources** Divided into two parts, these modules delve into the guiding principles governing the equitable distribution of water resources. Key concepts such as the principle of equitable and reasonable use and the obligations related to planned measures are discussed in-depth. Students will gain a robust understanding of how these principles interplay, bolstered by real-life applications in international agreements. **Module 5: Prevention and Resolution of Water-Related Disputes** In the concluding module, the course examines mechanisms for resolving water disputes, highlighting the role of basin organizations and international courts. This practical perspective on conflict resolution is invaluable for anyone looking to work in governance, law, or environmental policy. #### Course Experience The assessments, including quizzes at the end of each module, ensure that students engage with the material proactively, consolidating their learning at each stage. The emphasis on achieving a minimum score of 80% for quiz completion encourages deep understanding rather than surface-level memorization. The course's language is clear, scholarly yet accessible, making it suitable for both novices and those with prior knowledge in international law or environmental science. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the "International Water Law" course for: 1. **Students and Professionals in Environmental Policy**: Gain critical insights into the legal frameworks governing water resources, essential for effective policy-making. 2. **Legal Practitioners**: Enhance your understanding of how international water law can influence transboundary disputes and negotiations. 3. **Research Scholars**: Acquire a firm basis for further research in international law or environmental issues related to water. 4. **Anyone Seeking a Broader Perspective on Global Issues**: Understand how water, a crucial global resource, can be a vector for both conflict and cooperation in a world facing increasing water crises. With the wealth of knowledge and the practical skills you will develop during this course, you’ll be equipped to contribute meaningfully to the management and protection of one of our most essential resources. Enroll in the "International Water Law" course today on Coursera to make a positive impact on global water governance!

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to international water law

With around two hundred and seventy-six (276) rivers and lakes and a large number of groundwater shared by two or more States, there is an increasing level of interest in the importance of international law in this area. This introductory module is designed to highlight how international regulation is fundamental to achieving a harmonious and peaceful management of these essential resources. It outlines the various issues and challenges related to the management and protection of water resources. Whilst emphasis is placed on the factors that can lead to conflict, the module will also show how water can be considered as an instrument of peace and cooperation among States. Within this context, the benefits of cooperation between States over transboundary freshwater are examined. We will also analyse the different uses linked to water resources and the relationships that exist between them. The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 15% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.

This module outlines the major milestones in the evolution of international freshwater regulation. It will present the scope and contribution of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (1997 Convention) and the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Water and International Lakes of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) (1992 Convention). The role of international organizations, international academic societies and civil society in the development and promotion of these instruments will be highlighted. The unique nature of groundwater regulation is also addressed and we will look closely at the main features of the 2008 International Law Commission’s Draft articles on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers. We will also examine the best practice shown in the 2008 Convention on the Protection, Utilisation, Recharge and Monitoring of the Franco-Swiss Genevois Aquifer. The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 20% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.

This module presents the general principles governing how water is shared and we will also examine the rules associated with planned measures on transboundary waters. We will take a look at the theory behind the principle of equitable and reasonable use, the obligation to not cause significant harm and the principle of cooperation. The rules of notification, consultation and negotiation in the case of planned measures will be examined in detail. We will also focus how these principles interact with each other. The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 25% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.

This module highlights how other bodies of norms such as international environmental law, human rights and the law of climate change have contributed to the protection of transboundary freshwaters. The module presents the main international conventions that deal with the environment and details the principles that apply to the management of shared water resources (such as prevention, precaution and the obligation to conduct an environmental impact study). We will examine new legal instruments that take into account these aspects of international freshwater law via the water charters (such as for the Senegal River, the Niger River Basin, the Lake Chad Basin). The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 25% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.

This module presents the diplomatic and judicial mechanisms that exist for resolving water-related disputes. The essential role of basin organizations and commissions in the prevention and resolution of conflicts over water is also addressed. Finally, we examine the details of the decisions of international tribunals and courts about shared water resources and we assess their contribution to the development of international freshwater law. The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 20% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.