Water Cooperation and Diplomacy

In this module you are introduced to the core features of the concept of water diplomacy. You familiarize with various definitions of water diplomacy, as well as existing similiarities and differences among them. You are presented with key elements related to the implementation of water diplomacy i.e. scales, actors and challenges.

Transboundary water interaction takes place at different stages of conflict and cooperation. It also often happens simultaneously at various levels and in formal and informal ways. In this module you will learn how relations between actors are influenced by geographical, political and economic asymmetries and what the main theoretical approaches to explain water conflict and cooperation, are.

This module increases your understanding and practice of water diplomacy tools. It inspires you to be involved in related processes at various levels with various actors. It does so by explaining everything you need to know on the main three tracks of water diplomacy, taking you through hands-on exercises, and assessing acquired skills needed when addressing complex water issues.

This module increases your understanding of various legal and institutional frameworks relevant to water cooperation and diplomacy. You will be able to understand, name and explain a number of legal tools and institutional arrangements whose use is pertinent to water cooperation and diplomacy.

Data exchange and joint fact finding can contribute to building trust, and information and knowledge informs transboundary water management. However, data on water resources can be protected as matter of national security which prevents data exchange. Identifying what data and information is needed to take decisions is a difficult task, and power imbalances can influence data collection, knowledge production, and narratives.