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Water conflict and cooperation

As the world’s rivers come under greater threat, states have choices to make regarding conflict and cooperation. (Michael Joiner, 360info) : Michael Joiner, 360info

Backgrounder: 505 words

Climate change, water scarcity and urban development are among the threats to the world’s rivers and those who rely upon them.

8 perspectives

8 perspectives
Special Report

Water conflict and cooperation

Climate change, water scarcity and urban development are among the threats to the world’s rivers and those who rely upon them.

Conflict
Demand for river sand is unlikely to decrease, but current practices are having a major effect on the Mekong. (PsamatheM, Wikimedia Commons) : PsamatheM, Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0

Sand mining in the Mekong is happening far more than officially reported — meaning the damage is far worse. More sustainable options are available.

World Rivers Day

Measuring the real cost of sand mining in the Mekong

Sand mining in the Mekong is happening far more than officially reported — meaning the damage is far worse. More sustainable options are available.

Conflict
Chinese President Xi Jinping could influence the direction of the Mekong. (Presidential Executive Office of Russia, Wikimedia Commons) : Presidential Executive Office of Russia, Wikimedia Commons

Article: 777 words

China holds all the cards in the Mekong and bringing it into a regional framework would help secure the future of the river.

Convention could lock in China’s Mekong cooperation

This article was commissioned by 360info as part of a collaboration with Water Science Policy, including an interactive river journey of the Mekong. You can enjoy the full experience and learn more about this unique river here.

Conflict
The spike in plastics waste during the pandemic is worsening marine pollution. (Güldem Üstün, Flickr) : Güldem Üstün, Flickr CC BY 4.0

Mounting marine pollution is choking the world’s oceans and rivers, especially in Southeast Asia — and it’ll only get worse unless something changes.

World Rivers Day

The world is making the Mekong its dump

Conflict
At the confluence of the Zanskar (middle) and Indus (left) rivers. : Ridhi D’Cruz/Wikimedia Commons CC SA 2.0

A shift in perspective can future-proof the Indus Water Treaty.

World Rivers Day

India and Pakistan can future-proof their threatened rivers

Conflict
A majority of the Mekong region risks falling below sea level by the end of the century if business as usual continues (Jakub Hałun, Wikimedia Commons) : Jakub Hałun, Wikimedia Commons

Rising sea levels, accelerated land degradation and reduced sediment supply is hurting the Mekong. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Water conflict

Cooperation, commitment will save the Mekong

Conflict
Saline intrusion is one of the environmental threats facing more than 70 million people who depend on the Mekong River. (Wandelende Tak, Wikimedia Commons) : Wandelende Tak, Wikimedia Commons
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Partnerships a pathway for Mekong’s water security

Conflict
Vietnam’s Ya Ly Dam is one of many hydropower projects supplying cheaper, accessible energy — but at a cost to the Mekong River. (Tycho, Wikimedia Commons) : Tycho, Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0

Developing nations in the Mekong have long had to choose between cheap, accessible power and sustainable river management. That may no longer be necessary.

World Rivers Day

New power plans could change the tide

Conflict
Communities is Laos are still rebuilding after the collapse of the Xe-Pian hydropower dam. (Basile Morin, Wikimedia Commons) : Basile Morin, Wikimedia Commons
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Laos’ Mekong dam collapse leaves a sad legacy

Conflict