Transboundary cooperation in international basins: Clarification and experiences from the Orontes river basin agreement: Part 1

• Published in: Environmental science & policy Vol. 31; pp. 133 - 140
• Main Authors: Comair, Georges F., McKinney, D.C., Scoullos, M.J., Flinker, R.H., Espinoza, G.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; basins; Biological and medical sciences; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; environmental science; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; international cooperation; Negotiation; politics; Transboundary basins; UN convention; Water policy; watersheds; Lebanon; Syria; Negotiation; UN convention; Water policy; Transboundary basins; Clarifying; Environmental policy; Cooperation; Environment impact; Bargaining; Water resource management; River basins; International
• ISSN: 1462-9011; 1873-6416
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2013.01.006

► We analyzed the Orontes River Basin agreements between Lebanon and Syria. ► Benefit sharing and hydro-diplomacy are essential for conflict resolution. ► The agreement of 2002 is a win-win outcome. ► In case of a regime change in Syria, Turkey should be included. ► The 1997 UN Convention promote positive outcomes between nations.
The Orontes River Basin is shared among Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. These waters are a critical resource for the development of these co-riparians in terms of both water and national security. This article presents the results of a comprehensive institutional study of river basin agreement and conflicts in the Orontes Basin since the 1920s. This article identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the different bilateral agreements between Turkey, Syria and Lebanon and the power balance relation between the co-riparians especially under the current political events.