The objective of this research is to support
relevant policy programming by addressing the gaps, with a focus on three river
basins shared by Afghanistan with Iran, Turkmenistan and Pakistan. The findings
will contribute to a discussion on the existing and foreseeable impediments,
but also opportunities for co-operation. They will also help to assess whether
and to what extent interactions between Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan are
likely to evolve towards greater co-operation. On this basis, the findings will
inform the international community on how it can better support a process of
co-operation regarding transboundary water resource development.
A desk review of
international water law, power asymmetries, and other official publications,
reports and news articles (both English and Dari) were looked at from Afghan,
Iranian and Pakistani online news organisations. News articles were used mainly
to gather quotes from government officials. Discussions with key experts
included national and international advisors as well as senior consultants and
staff from the main water donor organisations involved in Afghanistan. However,
only a few staff of the Government
of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) agreed to provide information. Considering the
limited reliability of information in general, considerable efforts have been
made in cross-checking data. The
findings were discussed
alongside the views
of MPs and academics
in order to
better anticipate foreseeable
impediments and opportunities
for co-operation over transboundary water resources.
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