Introduction

Unlike many high-value natural resources (such as oil, diamonds, and gold) and resources for livelihoods (such as pasturage, charcoal, and bananas), which are generally situated within national borders, water often traverses such borders, creating a natural physical boundary that can both bind and divide states. For example, the disconnect between political borders and hydrologic systems often divides upstream and downstream users who have competing interests and differing capacities with respect to the use and allocation of water, complicating cooperation both across and within states. Although it is difficult to generalize, upstream states or regions often have a stronger interest in hydropower development, recreation, and tourism, whereas downstream states tend to be more interested in navigation and in agricultural and industrial development. The chapters in part 3 explore the ways in which joint management of shared water resources can provide opportunities, in the wake of conflict, for former adversaries to build mutual trust and confidence.