The International Law of Transboundary Groundwater Resources (Earthscan Water Text)

Synopsis

This book provides a comprehensive review of the state of international law as it applies to transboundary groundwater resources and aquifers. The main focus is on recent developments and the emerging international law for transboundary aquifers as reflected in the practice of states and the work of the UN International Law Commission, UN Economic Commission for Europe, and International Law Association. The author takes an interdisciplinary approach to the subject matter and provides the scientific hydro-geological underpinning for the application of law and policy to transboundary groundwater resources. He also addresses the growing global dependence on this hidden resource, as well as both the historical and scientific context for development of the law. The book provides case examples throughout to illustrate the various concepts and developments. These include more detailed examinations of the few existing transboundary aquifer agreements in operation, such as for aquifers between France and Switzerland and Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as well as aquifers in North Africa and in South America--Back cover. Introduction : groundwater at the global level -- Understanding groundwater resources and aquifers -- Groundwater resources in a transboundary context -- Early legal treatment of groundwater resources -- Groundwater and aquifers under the U.N. Watercourses Convention -- Groundwater and aquifers under the UN draft articles on the law of transboundary aquifers -- Trends in the evolution of international law for transboundary aquifers -- Gaps in the law of transboundary aquifers. by Gabriel Eckstein. Includes bibliographical references and index.