Table of contents
Executive Summary
Introduction
Background
Sources of Conflict
While resource and environmental factors are playing an increasing role in water conflicts, it is difficult to disentangle the many intertwined causes of conflict [Gleick, 1993]. The characteristics that make water likely to be a source of strategic rivalry are: (1) the degree of scarcity, (2) the extent to which the water supply is shared by more than one region or state, (3) the relative power of the basin states, and (4) the ease of access to alternative fresh water sources [Gleick, 1993]. As [Orr et al., 2009] pointed out “the outcome of local conflicts tends to reflect societal problems. Those who are marginalized in society tend to lose most in water conflicts, for example the rural poor in Chile and Mozambique, and the urban poor in Mexico and South Africa” (2009).
Some sources of water conflict are:
- Excessive withdrawal from surface waters / underground aquifers: Due to rapid population growth, water withdrawals have tripled over the last 50 years, which is largely explained by the rapid increase in irrigation development stimulated by food demand in the 1970s and by the continued growth of agriculture-based economies [UN WWAP, 2009].
- Pollution of freshwater resources (downstream / up-stream): Pollution and water quality degradation are key issues affecting water use globally. More than 80% of sewage in developing countries is discharged untreated, polluting rivers, lakes and coastal areas; more than 5 billion people – 67% of the world population – may still not be connected to public sewerage systems in 2030 [UN WWAP, 2009]. Moreover, due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene, 1.7 million deaths and the loss of at least 50 million healthy life years occur annually [Vörösmarty et al., 2005].Image 2.7-1:Breakdown of the principle issue for 1,831 "international interactions" regarding international freshwater resources between 1948-1999 [Wolf et al., 2003].
- Inefficient Use: Poor irrigation practices, leakage in water delivery systems, inefficient use by industry and excessive consumption by individuals can all contribute to water stress [WBCSD, 2005].
- Inequitable distribution: 85% of the world’s population resides in the drier half of the Earth; more than 1 billion people living in arid and semi-arid parts of the world have access to little or no renewable water resources [UN WWAP, 2009]. An estimated 90% of the 3 billion people who are expected to be added to the population by 2050 will be in developing countries, many in regions where the current population does not have sustainable access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation [UN WWAP, 2009]. While regional disparities might lead to potential conflict due to migration patterns in the longer run, a more relevant key factor is the inequitable distribution amongst the rural/urban and rich/poor paradigm.
- Lack of control, law enforcement and sanctions applied: Despite the existence of various regional and international legal mechanisms on water-related issues, they have not received the support or attention necessary to resolve many of the water conflicts [Gleick, 1993]. Many transboundary freshwater resources are being significantly degraded through poor and uncoordinated management [UN Water, 2008].
- Water development (hydropower plant construction, infrastructure, irrigation) and downstream effects: Water development schemes (irrigation facility, hydroelectric developments, flood-control reservoirs) often displace large local populations, have adverse impacts on downstream water users and ecosystems, change control of local resources, and result in economic dislocation [Gleick, 1993].
