International River Law (Hardcover)

"International River Law" Taken from the 'Introduction' of the book:
Given that the land -and the sea-and the air -spaces of planet Earth are shared, and are not naturally distributed among the states of the world. However, it is now broadly recognised that the globe faces a diverse and growing range of environmental challenges which can only be addressed through international cooperation. Pollution of rivers and depletion of freshwater resources are one of the issues which international law is being called upon to address. As the potential for discourse over Transboundary Watercourses increase, there has never been a greater need for international legal guidelines regarding the rights and obligations of riparians in the use of their freshwater resources. Bilateral and regional agreements go some way towards addressing the issues on a small scale, but do not sufficiently approach the wider problem. The potential for international conflict over water is evident from those statements. The fact that the United Nations has now come forward with a framework convention offers States necessary rules and guidelines to combat and resolve conflicts over water. The 1997 UN Watercourses Convention may not be perfect, but it is consistent with State practice and earlier efforts at codification of the rules relating to watercourse law. 1997 UN Watercourse Convention articulates the principles which are potentially applicable to all members of the international community across the range of activities which they carry out or authorise and in respect of the protection of all aspects of the environment. Those environmental provisions flourish their colours through the different multilateral treaties.