International training on Transboundary Water Management and Water Diplomacy
COURSE BACKGROUND
Over 260 major river basins and numerous aquifers are shared by two or more countries, covering nearly half of the Earth’s land surface and affecting over 40% of the global population. These transboundary waters present both immense opportunities for cooperation and significant potential for conflict, particularly as water scarcity is exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and increased demand across sectors. In regions like East Africa, shared water resources such as the Nile River Basin, Lake Victoria Basin, and the Mara River Basin are central to the livelihoods, economies, and stability of multiple riparian states. Navigating the complexities of shared water resources requires not only technical expertise in water management but also sophisticated skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and international relations – collectively known as water diplomacy. Building cooperative frameworks is essential for ensuring equitable and sustainable utilization of these vital resources and promoting regional peace and security.
ECAS Institute offers this “Transboundary Water Management and Water Diplomacy” course to equip professionals from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to foster cooperation, prevent disputes, and manage shared water resources sustainably. This program will delve into international water law, institutional arrangements, negotiation strategies, and the socio-political dimensions of transboundary water challenges, drawing heavily on real-world case studies from Africa and beyond.
COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Articulate the principles of international water law governing the use of transboundary watercourses and aquifers.
- Analyze the drivers of cooperation and potential conflict over shared water resources, including geopolitical, socio-economic, and environmental factors.
- Understand different models and mechanisms for transboundary water cooperation, such as river basin organizations and joint commissions.
- Apply water diplomacy tools and negotiation strategies to facilitate dialogue and build consensus among riparian states.
- Develop effective strategies for data sharing, joint planning, and adaptive management in transboundary water contexts.
- Integrate climate change considerations and the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus into transboundary water management frameworks.
- Design and participate in processes for conflict prevention and dispute resolution in transboundary water settings.
- Learn from successful and challenging case studies of transboundary water cooperation, particularly from African basins.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
This course will provide you with a unique interdisciplinary perspective on managing shared water resources, combining technical understanding with diplomatic and negotiation skills. You will learn to:
- Interpret and apply key international water conventions and agreements (e.g., UN Watercourses Convention, UNECE Water Convention).
- Identify hydrological, political, and socio-economic interdependencies in transboundary river basins and aquifers.
- Assess the institutional landscape for transboundary water cooperation, including the roles of various actors.
- Practice negotiation and mediation techniques in simulated transboundary water scenarios.
- Develop strategies for building trust and confidence among riparian states.
- Formulate benefit-sharing approaches that promote equitable outcomes beyond just water allocation.
- Analyze the role of non-state actors, civil society, and gender in water diplomacy.
- Utilize data and information sharing platforms to support collaborative decision-making.
- Design climate-proof transboundary water agreements and adaptation strategies.
- Understand the role of international organizations and third-party facilitators in transboundary water processes.
DURATION AND PROGRAM
This is a structured training course designed for immersive and interactive learning in the complex field of transboundary water management and water diplomacy. The program will feature a dynamic blend of expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, negotiation simulations, role-playing exercises, in-depth case studies (with a strong focus on African basins like the Nile, Senegal, and Mara River), and group discussions. Participants will engage in strategic thinking and collaborative problem-solving. The detailed program schedule, including specific session timings and learning activities, will be communicated upon registration.
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
This course is essential for professionals who are, or aspire to be, involved in managing shared water resources, international relations, development cooperation, and conflict resolution. It is highly beneficial for:
- Diplomats and Foreign Affairs Officials
- Water Resource Managers and Planners from national water ministries and authorities.
- Environmental Policy Makers and Regulators
- Legal Professionals specializing in international law and environmental law.
- Officials from River Basin Organizations (RBOs) and joint water commissions.
- Development Practitioners and Project Managers from NGOs, UN agencies, and bilateral organizations working in transboundary contexts.
- Researchers and Academics in hydrology, international relations, political science, and environmental studies.
- Military and Security Analysts interested in water as a peace and security issue.
- Journalists and Communicators covering transboundary resource issues.
TRAINING MODULES
The course is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive understanding of transboundary water management and water diplomacy:
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| 1. | Introduction to Transboundary Waters and Hydro-Politics |
This module sets the foundation by defining transboundary water resources, exploring their significance, and introducing the geopolitical dynamics surrounding them.
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| 2. | International Water Law and Principles of Cooperation |
This module delves into the legal frameworks that govern shared water resources, providing a basis for equitable and sustainable management.
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| 3. | Mechanisms for Transboundary Water Cooperation |
This module explores the various institutional and practical arrangements that facilitate cooperation among riparian states.
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| 4. | Introduction to Water Diplomacy and Negotiation Skills |
This module introduces the core concepts of water diplomacy and equips participants with essential negotiation and communication skills applicable to complex water issues.
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Addressing Complexities in Transboundary Water Management |
This module tackles intricate issues that complicate transboundary water cooperation, including climate change and the interconnectedness of resources.
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| 6. | Conflict Prevention, Resolution, and Security in Transboundary Waters |
This module focuses on strategies for preventing water-related conflicts and fostering water as a tool for peace and stability.
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| 7. | Case Studies, Best Practices, and Future Directions |
This module integrates theoretical learning with real-world examples and explores emerging trends and challenges in transboundary water management and water diplomacy.
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TRAINING STYLE
The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.
The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.
The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.
GENERAL NOTES
- Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
- Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
- We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
- Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.
ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE
The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.