International Water Law

In recent decades, international law has undergone a series of major developments in order to accommodate the many new facets of freshwater management and protection. The adoption of universal, regional and basin instruments highlights how important it is to study the evolution of international water regulations and to be able to identify the main principles in this field. This course aims to provide the necessary background to understand and examine the regulation applicable to transboundary freshwaters especially to rivers, lakes and aquifers. It presents the principles and legal standards that govern the use, sharing, management and protection of these resources. The MOOC is made up of 5 modules. As each module addresses a different theme, they can be viewed in any order. However, the modules do follow a certain pedagogical logic and following in order will be especially helpful to those who are new to the subject. Each module is accompanied by an evaluation questionnaire or quiz. A certificate will be awarded to students who obtain an average of at least 80% in the quizzes.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Describe the issues related to the regulation of transboundary freshwaters;
2. Explain how transboundary freshwater regulations have evolved;
3. Recall and interpret the key principles governing water resource regulation;
4. Understand the role of transboundary freshwater dispute settlement mechanisms in the development of international freshwater law (or to understand the role of international courts and tribunals in the resolution of conflicts)

This MOOC was developed by the Platform for International Freshwater Law that is part of the Geneva Water Hub, assisted by the MOOC Team of the University of Geneva. Alongside the researchers and teachers of the Platform, several international experts have also participated. This MOOC is one of three courses supported by the Water Hub Geneva and the University of Geneva. The other MOOCS are “Water Management and Policy” (www.coursera.org/learn/gestioneau ) and “Ecosystem Services: a method for sustainable development “(www.coursera.org/learn/ecosystem-services) . The Global Water Program of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has funded this course.

This MOOC was originally created in French. It has English subtitles.

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Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Module 1: Introduction to international water law
With around two hundred and seventy-six (276) rivers and lakes and a large number of groundwater shared by two or more States, there is an increasing level of interest in the importance of international law in this area. This introductory module is designed to highlight how international regulation is fundamental to achieving a harmonious and peaceful management of these essential resources. It outlines the various issues and challenges related to the management and protection of water resources. Whilst emphasis is placed on the factors that can lead to conflict, the module will also show how water can be considered as an instrument of peace and cooperation among States. Within this context, the benefits of cooperation between States over transboundary freshwater are examined. We will also analyse the different uses linked to water resources and the relationships that exist between them. The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 15% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.
Week 2
Module 2: The Evolution of the International Regulation on Fresh Water Resources

Week 3
Module 3: The Principles of the Law on Transboundary Water Resources I
This module outlines the major milestones in the evolution of international freshwater regulation. It will present the scope and contribution of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (1997 Convention) and the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Water and International Lakes of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) (1992 Convention). The role of international organizations, international academic societies and civil society in the development and promotion of these instruments will be highlighted. The unique nature of groundwater regulation is also addressed and we will look closely at the main features of the 2008 International Law Commission’s Draft articles on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers. We will also examine the best practice shown in the 2008 Convention on the Protection, Utilisation, Recharge and Monitoring of the Franco-Swiss Genevois Aquifer. The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 20% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.
Week 4
The Principles of the Law on Transboundary Water Resources II
Week 5
Module 5: Prevention and Resolution of Water-Related Disputes
This module presents the general principles governing how water is shared and we will also examine the rules associated with planned measures on transboundary waters. We will take a look at the theory behind the principle of equitable and reasonable use, the obligation to not cause significant harm and the principle of cooperation. The rules of notification, consultation and negotiation in the case of planned measures will be examined in detail. We will also focus how these principles interact with each other. The module will be concluded by a quiz worth 25% of the final mark. You must have at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the module.

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Reviews

Interesting introductory course on transboundary freshwater law. Time commitment is very manageable. Note that the lectures are in French with English subtitles.

Thank you for keeping encourging me , the course is super having it in both French and Englsih it is unique , kindly have one more on Maritime Disputes

Good learning and sharing of informtion in lucid language. Perhaps could share some of the actual case arguments or passages as supplementary information too.

Interesting Course proving a basic knowledge of International Waters and the laws that govern them. The case studies are very interesting to understand the treaties and laws.