Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Agreement (date)
Purpose
Coverage
Core principles relevant to water
Agenda 21 (1992),
Rio Earth Summit
International framework agreement
and action plan aimed at:
• Alleviation of poverty and
promoting sustainable settlement;
• Conservation of biological
diversity, combating
deforestation, protecting fragile
environments;
• Strengthening role of all
stakeholders including children,
women, Indigenous people, and
farms;
• Implementation by education,
science, institutional and legal
structures, data and information
and the building of national
capacity in relevant disciplines.
Voluntary non-binding;
178 countries adopted;
reairmed commitment at
Rio+20 (2012)
• Sustainable use
• Ecosystem protection
• Integrated decision-making at all levels
• Community involvement
UN Convention on the Law
of the non-Navigational
Uses of International
Watercourses (1997)
To govern and inform the use,
management, and protection
of the world's international
watercourses, for present and
future generations, taking into
account the special situations and
needs of developing countries
and airming the importance of
international cooperation and
good-neighbourliness.
Watercourse refers to system of
surface and groundwaters.
Not yet ratified; 18 signatories
(2010) out of the 35 required
for ratification
• Equitable and reasonable use
• Take account of all relevant social,
environmental and economic factors
• Take all appropriate measures to prevent the
causing of significant harm to other watercourse
states
-
the 'no harm' rule
• Individually and jointly protect ecosystems
• Cooperate for mutual benefit and good faith
• Enables establishment of management
mechanisms, info exchange and time-bound
steps for conflict resolution based on
fact-finding and impartial assessment.
