When the law is unclear: challenges and opportunities for data and information exchange in the Tigris-Euphrates and Indus river basins

Data and information exchange are vital for long-term transboundary water cooperation. However, many transboundary river basins lack regular data exchange between riparian States. In many cases, this is simply a feature of the generally fragmented nature of transboundary water cooperation; in others...

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Main Authors: Qaraman M. Hasan, Sarkawt Ghazi Salar, Durgeshree Raman, Sam Campbell, Ibrahim Qasim Palani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IWA Publishing 2023-08-01
Series:Water Policy
Subjects:
Online Access:http://wpol.iwaponline.com/content/25/8/780
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author Qaraman M. Hasan
Sarkawt Ghazi Salar
Durgeshree Raman
Sam Campbell
Ibrahim Qasim Palani
author_facet Qaraman M. Hasan
Sarkawt Ghazi Salar
Durgeshree Raman
Sam Campbell
Ibrahim Qasim Palani
author_sort Qaraman M. Hasan
collection DOAJ
description Data and information exchange are vital for long-term transboundary water cooperation. However, many transboundary river basins lack regular data exchange between riparian States. In many cases, this is simply a feature of the generally fragmented nature of transboundary water cooperation; in others, transboundary river basin data sharing may be withheld for geopolitical reasons. The Tigris-Euphrates and Indus river basins are among the most highly politicized river basins globally. Cooperation between riparians is complicated by a lack of certainty regarding data, information exchange and legal obligations, as upper riparians in both basins have persistently objected to the customary law of international watercourses. With reference to international water law, this article ascertains the level of data and information exchange in these two basins, both through formal and informal structures, as well as prevalent obstacles and the institutional and technological responses to them. Despite significant challenges, the authors argue that technological advances can stimulate enhanced riparian cooperation. HIGHLIGHTS The existing legal frameworks in these basins provide a platform for data and information exchange to take place.; The greater cooperation and participation through quality data and information exchange between and within riparian states would mean that IWRM could be meaningfully implemented.; Implementing international law principles depend on the level of cooperation among watercourse states.; Sharing data with local people in the basins contributes to better regional and international cooperation.;
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spelling doaj.art-d92a4b3013ef4f82a11abcc3a16ae25c2023-09-09T08:30:24ZengIWA PublishingWater Policy1366-70171996-97592023-08-0125878079610.2166/wp.2023.261261When the law is unclear: challenges and opportunities for data and information exchange in the Tigris-Euphrates and Indus river basinsQaraman M. Hasan0Sarkawt Ghazi Salar1Durgeshree Raman2Sam Campbell3Ibrahim Qasim Palani4 School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC, USA Department of Geography, College of Education, University of Garmian, Kurdistan Region, Iraq Te Piringa – Faculty of Law, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand Te Piringa – Faculty of Law, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand Department of Geography, College of Education, University of Garmian, Kurdistan Region, Iraq Data and information exchange are vital for long-term transboundary water cooperation. However, many transboundary river basins lack regular data exchange between riparian States. In many cases, this is simply a feature of the generally fragmented nature of transboundary water cooperation; in others, transboundary river basin data sharing may be withheld for geopolitical reasons. The Tigris-Euphrates and Indus river basins are among the most highly politicized river basins globally. Cooperation between riparians is complicated by a lack of certainty regarding data, information exchange and legal obligations, as upper riparians in both basins have persistently objected to the customary law of international watercourses. With reference to international water law, this article ascertains the level of data and information exchange in these two basins, both through formal and informal structures, as well as prevalent obstacles and the institutional and technological responses to them. Despite significant challenges, the authors argue that technological advances can stimulate enhanced riparian cooperation. HIGHLIGHTS The existing legal frameworks in these basins provide a platform for data and information exchange to take place.; The greater cooperation and participation through quality data and information exchange between and within riparian states would mean that IWRM could be meaningfully implemented.; Implementing international law principles depend on the level of cooperation among watercourse states.; Sharing data with local people in the basins contributes to better regional and international cooperation.;http://wpol.iwaponline.com/content/25/8/780climate changedata and information exchangeindusinternational lawtigris and euphratestransboundary rivers
spellingShingle Qaraman M. Hasan
Sarkawt Ghazi Salar
Durgeshree Raman
Sam Campbell
Ibrahim Qasim Palani
When the law is unclear: challenges and opportunities for data and information exchange in the Tigris-Euphrates and Indus river basins
Water Policy
climate change
data and information exchange
indus
international law
tigris and euphrates
transboundary rivers
title When the law is unclear: challenges and opportunities for data and information exchange in the Tigris-Euphrates and Indus river basins
title_full When the law is unclear: challenges and opportunities for data and information exchange in the Tigris-Euphrates and Indus river basins
title_fullStr When the law is unclear: challenges and opportunities for data and information exchange in the Tigris-Euphrates and Indus river basins
title_full_unstemmed When the law is unclear: challenges and opportunities for data and information exchange in the Tigris-Euphrates and Indus river basins
title_short When the law is unclear: challenges and opportunities for data and information exchange in the Tigris-Euphrates and Indus river basins
title_sort when the law is unclear challenges and opportunities for data and information exchange in the tigris euphrates and indus river basins
topic climate change
data and information exchange
indus
international law
tigris and euphrates
transboundary rivers
url http://wpol.iwaponline.com/content/25/8/780
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