Dam Safety Risk Assessment for Transboundary River Basins - Examining Conflict Stressors and Cooperation Opportunities

Abstract

Freshwater resources are vital for maintaining human health and sustaining a functioning economy. Dams are used globally to manage water resources, but are under increasing stress due to climate change, rapid population growth, ageing infrastructure, and environmental pollution. The competition over limited freshwater supplies has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of water-related conflicts. Many countries are building larger dams to meet the growing demand of their citizens for energy, freshwater supply, irrigation, industrial and municipal needs, and to facilitate economic growth. Many of these are transboundary dams. Currently, more than 126 of these shared river basins have dams that have some potential for cascade failure. Water use and its governance has been a highly contentious political issue between neighbouring countries since the beginning of recorded history. In many parts of the world, the unique challenges that transboundary dams present have often been poorly accounted for or overlooked. This paper examines the factors of stressors on dams situated in transboundary basins that can increase the likelihood for and the intensity of water-related conflicts between riparian countries. It also explores opportunities that may increase the safety of dams through stakeholder cooperation and diplomatic solutions for the development and implementation of joint best practices and equitable resource distribution within the transboundary river basins. Recommendations are also provided on dam safety and emergency management best practice for transboundary dams, which can be incorporated into the next generation of dam safety guidelines, regulations, and transboundary treaties.