ABSTRACT
Water is an important source of life and livelihoods. Water diplomacy is a veritable tool in achieving transboundary water cooperation, peaceful coexistence among riparian nations, political stability and economic growth. Water diplomacy is discussed as a solution to the complex equations of conflict, economic growth, social wellbeing and ecosystem demand. Global water demand is on the rise in response to unprecedented population growth, urbanization, food and energy security policies, and macro-economic processes such as trade globalization and changing consumption patterns. Water stressors are the activities or phenomena that negatively impact the quality, quantity and availability of water. Global conventions, regional treaties and bilateral or multilateral agreements constitute legal tools in diplomacy and water governance. Scientific knowledge that is robust and convincing enough to create value for negotiating parties, such that trust is built to arrive at beneficial decisions, is important in water diplomacy.
