Regulating Dam Development on Transboundary Watercourses: Legal Frameworks and the Human Right to Water

In an era of increasing hydropolitical tensions, this insightful book examines the legal challenges of building dams on rivers shared by two or more states. Özge Türk analyses the conflicts and adverse impacts such projects may create among states, individuals, communities, and ecosystems, while offering a legal roadmap for more equitable and sustainable transboundary water governance.

Türk examines how international water, environmental, and human rights laws apply to the planning, construction, and operation of dams on transboundary watercourses while addressing the current lack of a direct regulatory framework. She presents a legal roadmap for dam development on shared rivers that considers the needs of states, as well as those of affected people and communities, and the environment beyond national borders. Acknowledging the essential nature of dams for ensuring water, food, and energy security, the book emphasises that sustainable water governance requires balancing state sovereignty with the fundamental rights of individuals and ecosystems.

Regulating Dam Development on Transboundary Watercourses is a pivotal resource for scholars and students of environmental law, water law, and human rights seeking a comprehensive roadmap for the regulation of transboundary dam development. Water research institutions and government policymakers will also benefit from its theoretical foundation for negotiating equitable and sustainable water-sharing arrangements.