Riley T. Denoon

With increasing global pressure on scarce international water resources, the importance of dispute avoidance and resolution at the international level cannot be understated. A 'Stepped Approach' to Disputes on International Watercourses explores a conceptual and practical framework for addressing these complex challenges, presenting a structured, multi-faceted approach that integrates technical expertise, diplomatic negotiations, and, when necessary, binding adjudication. Drawing on a broad analysis of 225 international watercourse agreements, it puts forward a 'stepped approach' as an important tool that can foster cooperation, prevent conflicts, and ensure the equitable and sustainable use of our shared water resources.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have increasingly emerged as a valuable mechanism for drawing in investment and expertise from the private sector to meet public infrastructure needs. PPPs involving transboundary international waters require particular attention given their huge potential for social and environmental impact. Transboundary Waters, Infrastructure Development and Public Private Partnership examines what PPPs are and how they function in the context of transboundary waters. It explains how environmental and social "safeguards” operate in relation to PPPs and transboundary waters in light of the Nam Theun 2 and the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power projects in Laos PDR. Finally, it draws important lessons from their contractual arrangements, costs, financing and risk mitigation that are relevant to PPPs in other transboundary waters matters.