The meaning and interpretation of principle of equity in management of non-navigational uses of international water resources

Abstract

Water is indispensable for the survival of human life and a healthy environment. However, many factors threaten the availability and access to water resources to many people around the world. In many instances, a watercourse may run across several States, thereby creating a transboundary watercourse. The States across or along which the transboundary watercourse passes have an interest and aright in the access to and utilization of the shared watercourse. The transboundary nature of many watercourses necessitates that access and utilization of such watercourse be done in an equitable manner. How would a transboundary watercourse be accessed and utilized equitably among the relevant States? To address the problem of inequitable access and utilization of transboundary watercourses, the Principles of Equity were introduced as international guiding principles. The proper meaning and interpretation of these Principles needs to be precisely delineated in order to achieve this goal. This research report explores the meaning and interpretation of the ‘Principles of Equity’ in the international watercourse management. It suggests that a thorough understanding and interpretation of these Principles is instrumental to the management and negotiation of treaties and resolution of disputes related to international watercourses