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Dealing with increasing water conflicts through alternative dispute resolution


Document type: report
Download file(s): 127137 (177 KB)
Abstract: Rising urbanization, denser populations, diversifying economies, multiplying uses of water, global climate change, rising competition for water, and rising water scarcity are all making water conflicts become increasingly pervasive, frequent and intense. Courts often lack expertise in water disputes and they may be too slow and unreliable. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a less formal, less costly, and more participatory process for resolving disputes than is adjudication through formal legal channels. It has the advantages of being flexible, voluntary, and under partial control of stakeholders. It tends to push disputants into becoming partners in creating solutions. Adopting Alternative Dispute Resolution for water conflicts may require the following initial steps: 1. assessment of the need for ADR in the water sector of a particular country; 2. pilot adoption of ADR at basin or administrative level; 3. pilot adoption of ADR at canal or local level; and 4. preparation of a long-term strategy.
Authors: Vermillion, D.L.
Series Title: Innovation Brief on International Development Services
Category: General
Serial number: 4
Keywords: water , natural resources , conflict prevention
Language: eng
Organization: Euroconsult/BMB Mott MacDonald
PAGE: 4
Place: Arnhem
Publisher: Euroconsult/BMB Mott MacDonald
Year: 2008
Right: © 2008 Euroconsult/BMB Mott MacDonald
Subject: Environment and Natural Resources
Title: Dealing with increasing water conflicts through alternative dispute resolution