Dr. Arvind Kumar*
Water is a basic human right of every individual inhabiting the planet, without water life is impossible. Access to safe water is imperative for civilizations to prosper. However, conflicts over water are continuing to pose severe risks on populations and the environment across the globe. When properly managed, water can, and should, instead be a peacemaking platform for long lasting cooperation. Over the course of the 20th Century, global water use grew at more than twice the rate of population increase. Today, this dissonance is leading many cities – from Rome to Cape Town, Chennai to Lima – to ration water. Water crises have been ranked in the top five of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks by Impact list nearly every year since 2012. Water scarcity affects roughly 40% of the world’s population and, according to predictions by the United Nations and the World Bank, water insecurity could put up to 700 million people at risk by 2030 and make way for various conflicts and crises. No nation has managed to achieve prosperity without first delivering “water security”—without developing the infrastructure, institutions and practices needed to manage droughts and floods and to ensure a consistent water supply. Inequality, poor governance and water insecurity contribute to conflict at all levels – between countries as well as between and within communities. Population growth and economic development are driving increasing water demand worldwide.
Climate change is considered a threat multiplier, increasing the likelihood of natural disasters, severe water deficits, and extreme conditions – all of which can exacerbate tensions between countries and increase the risk of conflicts over shared resources, such as water, particularly in places that are already water scarce. Further, conflicts are becoming more complex, and underlying tensions can be exacerbated by climate uncertainties. While these trends seem to indicate that there might be intensified competition over water and a possible rise in social conflicts and violence, water can be a bridge to peaceful negotiations rather than a trigger or weapon of war. The proper management of natural resources, particularly water, can strengthen local communities, remove uncertainty over access to safe water, and reduce the risk of conflict rather than bolster it. Applying the interlinked knowledge of climate-security, environmental peace building, and water diplomacy can bridge gaps, and usher in peace to areas most affected by water-scarcity and conflict.
So, how can water be a tool for peace rather than a weapon in conflicts as envisioned by the UN as a theme for the World Water Day 2024?
Adopting Water Transversality approach
Water is a powerful tool for cooperation and dialogue in support of sustainable development and safer and resilient societies. It is not a sector but a connector that links all industries and different sectors. It is a key component of sustainable development, we are hopeful this tool addresses various targets like water and sanitation; water management, especially water availability & quality in reducing vulnerability; water-use efficiency and strengthening water-linked ecosystem services, water sharing through cooperation, coordination and convergence through multi-stakeholders such as Government, civil societies, private entities and international agencies. A ‘Transversal’ shift interlinking vertical linkages between water, energy and environment with horizontal linkages like Health, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, etc must be incorporated and now it is a good opportunity to translate in action. Water transversality establishes and enhances technical and political cooperation over shared waters among a wide range of actors. If applied appropriately, it will bring more actors to the table, increasing knowledge, and facilitating dialogue. It is integrated and inclusive to catalyze change, build partnerships and cooperation. It will bring immense opportunity with this finite resource especially in building resilience to changing climate. It provides the basis for a horizontal and multisectoral approach, which is truly the societal fuel for resilience.
At a time of growing water scarcity, good water governance is critical. In much of the world, this requires cooperation over shared rivers, lakes, and aquifers. When countries work together over transboundary water resolutions, it can deescalate tension and serve as a starting point for peaceful treaties and cooperative solutions. Traditionally siloed approaches to security are no longer sufficient. Experts on security, climate, environment, and development need to share knowledge to better understand new threats that arise from climate change, environmental degradation, and population growth, as well as social, economic, and political factors. Sustainably managing natural resources through both conflict-assessed and climate informed water policies and institutions can build peace capacities, prevent conflicts from starting, and make water systems more resilient.
Revolutionary Paradigm shift in India
Water will be one of the critical drivers of peace and stability in South Asia in the second decade of the 21 century. If the first decade of the new millennium was shaped by terrorism, the next two decades (2010-2030) will witness issues around water dominating internal and external policies of countries, especially in South Asia where the fresh water crisis is brewing with great intensity. Countries in South Asia, by their sheer number of people and demand for food and water, figure high on the list of such critical regions. It is quite obvious that availability of clean, unpolluted water, its management and the willingness, or reluctance, to find a cooperative mechanism to face the crisis will, in more ways than one, influence geo-strategic policies in South Asia in the decades ahead.
A Planning Commission (of India) study found that the overexploitation of ground water was highest in areas where cropping patterns and cropping intensity had undergone a dramatic change over the years. Despite the depleting levels of ground water, farmers in these areas opted for water-intensive crops for better remuneration for their crops. Absence of legal frameworks or regulatory regime governing ground water use, minimum support price policy and agricultural trade policy were some of the reasons for such a situation. The policy of giving free power or at subsidised rates in states like Punjab has made the problem even more acute.
Having said that, in recent years water governance in India is now one of the most successful projects undertaken by the government, as it has been a game changer and has had a huge impact on both the classes and the masses. It was good to see India announcing “Water Vision” as a part of India’s Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modiji’s “Vision India @ 2047” plan especially the ‘5P’ mantra which includes Political will, Public financing, Partnerships, Public Participation and Persuasion for sustainability. India’s water sector will play a significant role in achieving the heights of Viksit Bharat which India strives to reach in the next crucial years. Emphasis has to be given on the management of groundwater resources and to address the inefficiency of water use in the agriculture sector by incentivizing the adoption of efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and promote the cultivation of crops that require less water.
Way Ahead
If decision makers include gendered, youth, and indigenous perspectives to water discussions, longer lasting, more sustainable and climate-resilient solutions will emerge. Finding common ground for water cooperation is often a step-by-step process achieved by dialogues, trust-building mechanisms, and engagements that enhance the enabling environment for transboundary cooperation. Countries could build on existing bilateral agreements to provide each other with real-time year-round hydrological data as part of greater efforts for basin-wide cooperation. The stark reality of increasing water demand means that all states must prioritise cooperation over competition and conflict on water management and related challenges, or risk greater political and socio-economic instability, brought on by a scramble for access to and control of water. By embracing cooperative approaches and ensuring equitable access, we can harness water as a stabilizing force and a catalyst for sustainable development, fostering peace for generations to come. Applying these kinds of strategies across the globe will not be an easy task, but government leaders and citizens are beginning to recognize the problems and ask thoughtful questions about lasting solutions. We have promising models to follow—if we remember to invest not only in engineering but also in the engine of life itself.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
