With the dramatically increasing number of users and the potential impact of climatic change, human systems and the hydrological system might be on an unsustainable path. Indeed, population rises, the climate seems to change, and water demands grow to quench the thirst of cities, suburbs, industry, and agriculture, often leaving ecosystem needs on the wayside. All of these factors might lead to potential conflicts among uses and users. However, water scarcity is not the only concern, as we are reminded by recent flooding events that have spelled disaster for the human communities living in affected areas. In the past decade, water-related pressures have resulted in media headlines foreboding a future wrought with “water wars.” With 263 rivers and countless aquifers transversing national boundaries, the cultivation of such a somber image is not surprising. Indeed, water cuts across the boundaries of countries, cultures, and economic sectors, meaning that water planning and decision making in one jurisdiction has the potential to spill over to into others. The risk of disruption, conflict, and violence exists around transboundary waters. However, earlier work by the authors points to a lengthy history of cooperative interactions, rather than conflicts, over this precious resource.

Sparked by the concern over water security, in particular, the challenges of sharing water resources across political boundaries and of responding to the needs of many Member States, UNESCO initiated the project From Potential Conflict to Co-operation Potential (PCCP) in 2000. PCCP endeavors to increase the capacity of stakeholders to find conciliatory ways to reach mutually accepted solutions for the management of their shared water resources.