Partner: Stimson Centre USA , Observer Research Foundation India (ORF)
Duration: 8 months
Locale: Pakistan & India
Team Members: Shakeel Ahmed
Introduction:
Water is an essential resource the scarcity of which can trigger unrest and conflict in developing countries with growing populations. South Asia is one such region where the situation is further complicated by issues of trans-boundary water sharing between countries that have long history of conflicts. Underscoring the significance of track II diplomacy in facilitating peace and bilateral cooperation in the region, diplomats, policy-makers, scientists, experts and civil society representatives were engaged in an informal dialogue on trans-boundary water issues. A set of practical recommendations, that were the outcome of exhaustive discussions at the bilateral dialogues held in Nepal, Thialand and Pakistan were incorporated in the final report, which was launched in February 2013.
Recommendations:
Need to strengthen advisory capacities of Permanent Indus Commission of the Indus Water Treaty
Leverage should be given to technical expertise and capitalise existing bilateral and regional forums forpolicy deliberation, data sharing, collaborative research, and best practices
Need to recognize and promote opportunities for knowledge exchange at multiple levels (regional to local)