Governing Environmental Change in International River Basins - The Role of River Basin Organizations

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Schmeier ◽  
Sabine Schulze
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Change ◽  
River Basin ◽  
River Basins ◽  
International River Basins ◽  
International River

scholarly journals The "WFD-effect" on upstream-downstream relations in international river basins – insights from the Rhine and the Elbe basins

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1407-1428 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Moellenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
River Basins ◽  
River Basin Management ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
International River Basins ◽  
International River

Abstract. The upstream-downstream relationship in international river basins is a traditional challenge in water management. Water use in upstream countries often has a negative impact on water use in downstream countries. This is most evident in the classical example of industrial pollution in upstream countries hindering drinking water production downstream. The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) gives new impetus to the river basin approach and to international co-operation in European catchments. It aims at transforming a mainly water quality oriented management into a more integrated approach of ecosystem management. After discussing the traditional upstream-downstream relationship, this article shows that the WFD has a balancing effect on upstream-downstream problems and that it enhances river basin solidarity in international basins. While it lifts the downstream countries to the same level as the upstream countries, it also leads to new duties for the downstream states. Following the ecosystem approach, measures taken by downstream countries become increasingly more important. For example, downstream countries need to take measures to allow for migrating fish species to reach upstream stretches of river systems. With the WFD, fish populations receive increased attention, as they are an important indicator for the ecological status. The European Commission acquires a new role of inspection and control in river basin management, which finally also leads to enhanced cooperation and solidarity among the states in a basin. In order to achieve better water quality and to mitigate upstream-downstream problems, also economic instruments can be applied and the WFD does not exclude the possibility of making use of financial compensations, if at the same time the polluter pays principle is taken into account. The results presented in this article originate from a broader study on integrated water resources management conducted at Bonn University and refer to the Rhine and Elbe basins (Moellenkamp, 2006).

Geoecologic Conflicts Causes of Ecosystem Exploitation in International River Basins and Ways to Resolve them

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 114-121
Author(s):  
Zaira M. Sagova ◽  
◽  
Lidiya A. Lidiya A. Mezhova ◽  
Vadim V. Kulnev ◽  
Aleksandr M. Lugovskoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
River Basins ◽  
International River Basins ◽  
International River

scholarly journals Enhancing capacities of riparian professionals to address and resolve transboundary issues in international river basins: experiences from the Lower Mekong River Basin

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 3183-3197 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Douven ◽  
M. L. Mul ◽  
B. Fernández-Álvarez ◽  
S. Lam Hung ◽  
N. Bakker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Training Evaluation ◽  
River Basins ◽  
Mekong River ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Training And Education ◽  
International River Basins ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
International River ◽  
Capacity Building Programme

Abstract. This paper analyses the design and impact of capacity building programmes aimed at enhancing capacities of riparian professionals to address and resolve transboundary issues in international river basins. The case study is a programme developed by the Mekong River Commission (MRC). A post-training evaluation was applied to assess its impact in terms of individual capacity enhancement and change (use and application of knowledge, factors hampering application, and change in function and opportunities within the organisation). The design of the Capacity Building Programme of the MRC Flood Management and Mitigation Programme required a well balanced range of subjects (such as IWRM (integrated water resources management), model and decision support systems, and international water law). The post-training evaluation, 6 months after the last training workshop, showed an increase in familiarity with the topics for all 37 respondents, with the highest increase for the respondents with few years of working experience and from training and education institutions. The relevance of the subjects taught was highlighted by 95% of the respondents, and 78% of the participants had already used some of the acquired knowledge in their job. The respondents indicated that they did not have sufficient opportunities to apply all knowledge. The phased implementation and training of lecturers during the training workshops had a good impact, directly through increasing involvement in facilitation and delivery of the capacity building programme and through the use of the knowledge gained in short courses and development of curricula at their institute. For these types of capacity building programmes, a few recommendations can be made. The selection of participants is crucial for the application of the learned knowledge in their work. The integrative nature of transboundary water issues calls for a capacity building programme addressing a wide range of subjects, which can be understood by a wide range of professionals from different sectors. Training methods should also address this integrative nature through, e.g. roleplays and case studies. A successful capacity building programme needs to address the three levels of capacity building (enabling environment, organisations, and individual staff) and involve national and regional training and education institutes.

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