INSTITUTE FOR WATER RESOURCES
IWR Scientist Manages and Transforms Water Conflicts
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IWR Scientist Manages and Transforms Water Conflicts |
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ALEXANDRIA, VA — March 13, 2009. Jerry Delli Priscoli, PhD, IWR, and Aaron Wolf, PhD, Oregon State University, co-authored the newly published Managing and Transforming Water Conflicts. The book was published by Cambridge University Press. “Water is likely to be the most pressing environmental concern of this century,” (Managing and Transforming Water Conflicts, p 1) say Delli Priscoli and Wolf. The authors investigate the dynamics of water conflict and conflict resolution, from the local to the international. They explore the inexorable links between three critical facets of conflict management and transformation: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), public participation, and institutional capacity. "Water is forcing us to rethink the notions of security, dependency, and interdependency. Increased interdependence through water-sharing plans and infrastructure networks is often viewed as increasing vulnerability and dependence and thereby reducing security. However, there is an alternative way to look at interdependence. It can be seen as building networks that will increase our flexibility and capacity to respond to the exigencies of nature and reduce our vulnerability to events such as droughts and floods–and thereby increase security. Indeed this perspective has been central to the evolution of civilization." (Managing and Transforming Water Conflicts, p 29) Delli Priscoli and Wolf make the case that “War over water is not strategically rational, hydrographically effective, or economically viable. Shared interests along a waterway seem to overwhelm water’s conflict-inducing characteristics …water is far more humanity’s learning ground for building community then creator of large scale conflict.” (Managing and Transforming Water Conflicts, p 32) Managing and Transforming Water Conflicts is a thoroughly researched, practical guide for addressing water conflict and mediating competition for water in transboundary situations. It is an invaluable resource for water management professionals, as well as researchers in engineering, economics, geography, geology, and political science who are involved in water management. The authors provide an in-depth analysis on how to develop strategies to anticipate, address, and mediate between competing users of water resources. A broad range of case studies presenting how some of the most intractable water conflicts around the world have been addressed and resolved is included. The book includes a forward by Dr. Andras Szöllösi-Nagy, Deputy Assistant Director-General of the UNESCO's Natural Sciences Sector, Director of the Division of Water and Secretary of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) of UNESCO. Dr. Delli Priscoli will participate in a book-related event at the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul, Turkey. About the AuthorsJerome Delli Priscoli, PhD, is a senior advisor on international water issues at the Institute for Water Resources. A world-renowned facilitator of water resources forums, he maintains routine relationships with senior water ministers worldwide. He worked closely with the Mexican government on the 4th Water Forum and was a key planner for 5th World Water Forum. He has worked with the World Bank, UNESCO, WHO, and other organizations on multilateral negotiations concerning water resources. His lectures and training courses are presented in U.S. Federal agencies as well as a wide range of national and international organizations. Dr. Delli Priscoli holds bachelor's degrees from Tufts University in economics and political science and a Ph.D. from Georgetown University in political science. Aaron Wolf, PhD, is a professor of geography in the Department of Geosciences at Oregon State University. He has an M.S. in water resources management and a Ph.D. in environmental policy analysis from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His research focuses on issues relating transboundary water resources to political conflict and cooperation, where his training combining environmental science with dispute resolution theory and practice have been particularly appropriate. Professor Wolf has acted as consultant to the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the World Bank, and several governments on various aspects of international water resources and dispute resolution. More... Learn more:
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