Negotiation support system for resolution of disputes over international water resources

Available quantities of naturally renewable fresh waters are being exhausted in many parts of the world, and the problem of international water resources is becoming more acute. International or shared waters are surface and underground water resources whose watersheds are spread over the territory of more than one country. When dealing with water shortages, governments frequently take unilateral actions, without considering the needs of their neighbors. Such policies alter the natural balance of quantities and qualities of water resources, and eventually, cause international disputes. Management of international waters is difficult because issues of control, jurisdiction, and sovereignty are extremely complicated. International law does not provide unambiguous directive for appropriation and management of international water resources. When claiming rights to shared waters, nations rely on their geographical position, historical rights, and often on their relative power. Conflicts over international waters are extremely complex because of the variety of interests involved and the meaning of water to human society. Water resources are of strategic importance and become a matter of a country's highest policy. Negotiations over allocation of shared water resources are frequently a long-drawn process, burdened by mutual mistrust among the parties. Water quantity is often the dominant feature of the negotiations even though many other aspects deserve consideration, such as quality and environmental amenities; thus, dividing the waters is viewed as a win-lose situation. Negotiations over shared waters are, in most cases, conducted as simple, distributive bargaining processes.