In recent decades, international law has undergone a series of major developments in order to accommodate the many new facets of freshwater management and protection. The adoption of universal, regional and basin instruments highlights how important it is to study the evolution of international water regulations and to be able to identify the main principles in this field. This course aims to provide the necessary background to understand and examine the regulation applicable to transboundary freshwaters especially to rivers, lakes and aquifers. It presents the principles and legal standards that govern the use, sharing, management and protection of these resources.
Offered By
International Water Law
University of GenevaAbout this Course
Offered by

University of Geneva
Founded in 1559, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) is one of Europe's leading universities. Devoted to research, education and dialogue, the UNIGE shares the international calling of its host city, Geneva, a centre of international and multicultural activities with a venerable cosmopolitan tradition.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Module 1: Introduction to international water law
With around two hundred and seventy-six (276) rivers and lakes and a large number of groundwater shared by two or more States, there is an increasing level of interest in the importance of international law in this area. This introductory module is designed to highlight how international regulation is fundamental to achieving a harmonious and peaceful management of these essential resources. It outlines the various issues and challenges related to the management and protection of water resources. Whilst emphasis is placed on the factors that can lead to conflict, the module will also show how water can be considered as an instrument of peace and cooperation among States. Within this context, the benefits of cooperation between States over transboundary freshwater are examined. We will also analyse the different uses linked to water resources and the relationships that exist between them. The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 15% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.
Module 2: The Evolution of the International Regulation on Fresh Water Resources
Module 3: The Principles of the Law on Transboundary Water Resources I
This module presents the general principles governing how water is shared and we will also examine the rules associated with planned measures on transboundary waters. We will take a look at the theory behind the principle of equitable and reasonable use, the obligation to not cause significant harm and the principle of cooperation. The rules of notification, consultation and negotiation in the case of planned measures will be examined in detail. We will also focus how these principles interact with each other. The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 25% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.
The Principles of the Law on Transboundary Water Resources II
This module highlights how other bodies of norms such as international environmental law, human rights and the law of climate change have contributed to the protection of transboundary freshwaters. The module presents the main international conventions that deal with the environment and details the principles that apply to the management of shared water resources (such as prevention, precaution and the obligation to conduct an environmental impact study). We will examine new legal instruments that take into account these aspects of international freshwater law via the water charters (such as for the Senegal River, the Niger River Basin, the Lake Chad Basin). The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 25% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.
Reviews
- 5 stars75.91%
- 4 stars17.01%
- 3 stars3.66%
- 2 stars1.04%
- 1 star2.35%
TOP REVIEWS FROM INTERNATIONAL WATER LAW
It is one of the best training on water management i have attend, it expose me to a lot of information which will improve on my decision making on my job order
The program was very useful, and thanks to everyone who contributed to it I suggest that the student receive at the end of the program the course materials in pdf\n\nthank you
Excellent contents this module contains and excellent and simple way of imparting knowledge has been adopted by the speakers
Interesting introductory course on transboundary freshwater law. Time commitment is very manageable. Note that the lectures are in French with English subtitles.
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