The European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant 'Addressing the Multi-scalar Dimensions of Sectoral Water Conflicts Through the Lens of Water Security: Lessons from South Asia (WATCON)' is hosted in the Law, Environment and Development Centre (LEDC) and the Centre for Water and Development (CWD) at SOAS.
Abstract:
The number and significance of water conflicts occurring at different levels has been increasing rapidly. This is due in part to water scarcity caused, among other things, by growing and changing water use, and climate change, which threatens water security from individuals and communities to the global level. Addressing these conflicts is crucial to the realisation of the human right to water and more broadly to achieving sustainable social and economic development while protecting water sources.
From a legal perspective, conflicts arising from water allocation between different uses, such as drinking water, irrigation, and industrial use, are one of the least-studied categories of conflicts. WATCON focuses on conflicts linked to allocation of water within one category of use (intra-sectoral) and allocation from one use of water to other uses (inter-sectoral). WATCON’s hypothesis is that water use conflicts are protracted and lack effective solutions because they are often addressed only at specific scales and without considering their inter-sectoral and multi-scalar dimensions.
WATCON focuses on the legal aspects of water allocation to prevent sectoral water conflicts and to foster their resolution. This is framed around the concept of water security, through which the broader environmental and human dimensions of water conflicts can be examined. WATCON uses a multi-scalar approach that links detailed considerations related to the realisation of the human right to water at the local level and threats posed by climate change from the local to the global level.
The project will contribute to pressing debates around water security and the human right to water. Its scientific contribution will emerge from close engagement with the legal aspects of water conflicts by examining them in their local to global dimensions, with a focus on South Asia and India in particular.
Work Packages
1
Constructing a multi-scalar conceptual framework on sectoral water conflicts through the lens of water security and dissemination of research outputs
WP1 seeks develop a conceptual framework for analysing the legal dimensions of multi-scalar sectoral water conflicts using water security as the normative concept. The three pillars - water conflicts, the human right to water and ecological integrity - capture water security’s state-centric (international), individual/community centric (local) and ecological dimensions.
2
Towards a multi-scalar understanding of water conflicts in South Asia
WP2 applies the concept of water security as an analytical tool to understand hydro-relations in South Asia and examine its potential in transforming the relationship between countries in the region particularly in the context of the looming impacts of climate change.
3
Drinking water-related conflicts
WP3 focuses on sectoral water conflicts relating to allocation of drinking water, for instance, between urban and rural areas and related issues, such as protection of freshwater resources in urban areas, different modes of water supply including formal/informal water markets and institutional arrangements for water services.
4
Industrial uses of water and conflicts
WP4 focuses on sectoral water conflicts arising from industrial use of water including water intensive industries, the discharge of partially treated or untreated industrial wastewater into water bodies, as well as the role of independent water regulatory authorities.
5
Water for irrigation, livelihood and conflicts
WP5 examines sectoral water conflicts that arise in the context of irrigation or construction/use of irrigation infrastructure as well as participatory irrigation management. WP5 analyses the legal framework and specific case studies from the point of view of the rights to water and food.
6
Dams, sectoral water conflicts and river rights
WP6 studies sectoral water conflicts in the context of dams, a multi-use water infrastructure, including irrigation, hydropower and drinking water. It analyses the legal framework and specific case studies from the point of view of the right to water as well as river rights.