Application of Nexus Approach in Hydropolitics of Transboundary Rivers

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student, Department of Water Engineering and Management, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 M.Sc. Student, Department of Irrigation & Reclamation Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Water Engineering and Management, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Most of the water problems are complex, with unpredictable and dynamic interactions as well as multiple feedbacks with different sectors, like energy, food, and climate. A holistic approach is required for recognizing the interactions among different parts of water resources with other sources. "Nexus" as a novel and holistic approach can be applied to deal with the complexities of water-food-energy interactions. This approach is also so fruitful in transboundary water relations among riparian countries. Considering the interactions among water, food, energy sectors, and the direct effect of the allocation of water resources across borders can be a great potential for dealing with transboundary basin conflicts. It is necessary to apply nexus approach as an appropriate and comprehensive approach for the right policy-making and good governance in transboundary river basins. This paper, with its fundamental-theoretical and descriptive and analytical method, tries to examine the function of the WFE nexus approach in water governance in general and governance of transboundary water relations in particular. As case studies approach, the Brahmaputra and Aral basins are analyzed. Finally, it will be shown how the use of water, energy and the environment nexus approach has created sustainable interactions between India and Bhutan in the Brahmaputra basin and how non-compliance with the WFE nexus approach for Central Asian countries in the Aral basin has created economic costs and environmental damage.

Keywords


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Volume 7, Issue 3
October 2020
Pages 757-773
  • Receive Date: 10 April 2020
  • Revise Date: 17 July 2020
  • Accept Date: 17 July 2020
  • First Publish Date: 22 September 2020
  • Publish Date: 22 September 2020