Water Security as a Legal Imperative: International Frameworks for Managing Transboundary Resources

Аннотация

Water security has emerged as a critical global issue, particularly in the context of climate change and population growth. This paper examines the legal imperatives surrounding water security, focusing on the international frameworks established to manage transboundary water resources. The study highlights the complexities of legal principles and norms that govern shared water bodies, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (1997) and the Protocol on Water and Health (1999). These frameworks aim to promote equitable and sustainable management of shared water resources, yet challenges persist due to differing national interests, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, and the impacts of climate variability. By analyzing case studies from regions such as the Nile Basin, the Mekong River, and the Great Lakes, this research underscores the necessity of cooperative governance and integrated management approaches. Additionally, the paper argues that enhancing legal frameworks to address emerging threats, including pollution, over-extraction, and climate-induced variability, is imperative for ensuring water security. The findings suggest that a harmonized legal approach, incorporating principles of sustainability, human rights, and environmental protection, is essential for effective transboundary water management. Ultimately, this study contributes to the discourse on water security by emphasizing the need for stronger legal instruments and collaborative efforts to safeguard water resources, ensuring they are equitably distributed and sustainably managed for future generations.