Leb, Christina --- "Implementation of the general duty to cooperate" [2019] ELECD 67; in McCaffrey, C. Stephen; Leb, Christina; Denoon, T. Riley (eds), "Research Handbook on International Water Law" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019) 95

Book Title: Research Handbook on International Water Law

Editor(s): McCaffrey, C. Stephen; Leb, Christina; Denoon, T. Riley

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN: 9781785368073

Section: Chapter 6

Section Title: Implementation of the general duty to cooperate

Author(s): Leb, Christina

Number of pages: 14

Abstract/Description:

Acknowledging that cooperation is one of the building blocks of international law and a key legal principle that forms the basis of specific obligations and rights that shape State behaviour, this chapter analyses the more defined characteristics this principle assumes as the general duty to cooperate in international water law. As a general principle of international water law the duty gives clear direction, aim and purpose for cooperative action and implementation of the other general principles, such as equitable and reasonable utilization and the obligation not to cause significant harm. The chapter then expands on the characteristics of joint management mechanisms that provide an institutional structure for coordinated management of transboundary basins and aquifers. The existence of joint bodies has been adopted as an indicator to monitor the ‘proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation’ to assess progress towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.