ABSTRACT
The last case study of this book analyses the La Plata River in South America, the fi fth largest river in the world and one of the most threatened due to new infrastructure, hydrological alternations for shipping, proposed large dams and climate change. The La Plata River fl ows through one-fi fth of the South American continent and covers the riparians Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. As a result of its geographical location, developments and cooperation are closely linked to the past and current Brazil-Argentina relationship, various existing treaties and regional developments including the Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur). This case study highlights the political, economic and ecological importance of the La Plata region, as well as the signifi cance of future regional development for the wider region and highlights the stakes for the individual riparians.
