Deep Dive: Dr. Susanne Schmeier, Transboundary Water Sharing Agreements for Peace

09/21/22 • 39 min

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In today's deep dive episode we take it to the experts to find out what we should know about water, security and peace. We talk with Dr. Susanne Schmeier from IHE DELFT about how countries negotiate water agreements over shared water access.
For more information about Dr. Susanne Schmeier's work click here to go to the IHE Delft website to learn more about their programs and research projects. And for more information on the Water, Peace, and Security Partnership that Dr. Susanne runs click here.

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Water We Doing? - Deep Dive: Dr. Susanne Schmeier, Transboundary Water Sharing Agreements for Peace

Transcript

David Evans00:00:25.408

Welcome to another deep dive episode of the what are we doing podcast today we're talking with Dr. Susannah Schneier, an associate professor of waterline diplomacy at Ihe, Delft in the Netherlands. Now waterline diplomacy, what does that really mean? So Dr. Susannah works with many different countries around the globe, trying to predict where conflict will occur, and how we can resolve these conflicts preemptively, or how we can ease tensions w

Deep Dive: Dr. Susanne Schmeier, Transboundary Water Sharing Agreements for Peace Top Questions Answered

What are some examples of water diplomacy and cooperation around the world?

Examples include dam development in the Mekong and water sharing arrangements in southern Africa.

Where are some regions that face water conflicts and challenges?

Regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, Central Asia, and areas affected by the Ukraine conflict face water conflicts and challenges.

How did water contribute to peace and cooperation in the Balkans after the war?

Water served as a source of peace and cooperation in the Balkans after the war.

Does climate change impact water-related conflicts?

Climate change increases short-term risk of conflict, but long-term cooperation is necessary to address water-related challenges.

What are some resources to learn more about water diplomacy?

The Ihe Delft Institute for water education and the Water Peace and Security Partnership provide resources for learning and getting involved in water diplomacy.

Why is groundwater resource sharing more challenging than sharing a river?

Groundwater resource sharing is more challenging due to its underground nature, as opposed to sharing a surface river.

What factors contribute to water conflicts?

Insufficient government capacity, financial capacity, dispute resolution mechanisms, population growth, and demand by economic sectors contribute to water conflicts.

Is preventing water conflicts a challenge?

Identifying potential conflict areas is relatively good, but preventing conflicts from happening is a challenge.

What is the role of communication and collaboration in sharing water?

Sharing water requires socio-political collaboration and communication, not just engineering solutions.

What steps are important in water diplomacy?

Important steps in water diplomacy include data sharing, building trust in data, and transitioning from a zero-sum game to a benefit-sharing approach.

What is the scope of water diplomacy?

Water diplomacy extends to freshwater resources like rivers, lakes, groundwater, as well as fishing rights in oceans. It also encompasses lakes, regional seas, and transboundary aquifers.

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