Journal of Water Law Special Issue - Promoting Water for All (added 2 Nov 2013) (original) (raw)

This special issue of the Journal of Water Law presents a collection of articles derived from research currently being undertaken at our Dundee UNESCO Centre. The works examine a range of water-related problems at various scales ± from global to local, and across a spectrum of disciplines. In tackling the complex challenges arising in this area, it is proposed that a more integrated approach, combining water law, policy and science in constructive ways, will promote innovative contributions to achieving `water for all'. During times of unprecedented uncertainty and rapid change, the need to manage the world's water resources in ways that enhance the (often divergent) social, economic and environmental objectives, provides myriad challenges at all levels. In such a context, it is especially important to understand the `rules of the game'. Where there are insufficient quantities or qualities of water to meet national requirements on shared transboundary watercourses, or to irrigate the fields for local farmers; or where raging floods adversely affect human and ecosystem populations, the need for robust and responsive legal frameworks is readily apparent. It is interesting to note, however, that despite the recent proliferation of global policy statements, experts' reports and projects aimed at addressing the global water crisis, most have failed to integrate effectively water law, policy and science in their proposed solutions. The next World Water Development Report (produced by the UN agencies working on water and released every three years at the World Water Forum), already a work-in-progress, will focus on the theme of uncertainty and risk, and provides yet one more opportunity for such a joinedup approach. Guest Editors: Professor Patricia Wouters and Dr Sarah Hendry