UNIGE - International Water Law

Offered byCoursera

International Water Law
at
Coursera
Overview

Duration	10 hours
Total fee	Free
Mode of learning	Online
Difficulty level	Intermediate
Official Website	Explore Free Course
Credential	Certificate

International Water Law
at
Coursera
Highlights

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Intermediate Level
Approx. 10 hours to complete
English Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish

International Water Law
at
Coursera
Course details

Skills you will learn

English French

More about this course

In recent decades, international law has undergone a series of major developments in order to accommodate the many new facets of freshwater management and protection. The adoption of universal, regional and basin instruments highlights how important it is to study the evolution of international water regulations and to be able to identify the main principles in this field. This course aims to provide the necessary background to understand and examine the regulation applicable to transboundary freshwaters especially to rivers, lakes and aquifers. It presents the principles and legal standards that govern the use, sharing, management and protection of these resources.
The MOOC is made up of 5 modules. As each module addresses a different theme, they can be viewed in any order. However, the modules do follow a certain pedagogical logic and following in order will be especially helpful to those who are new to the subject. Each module is accompanied by an evaluation questionnaire or quiz. A certificate will be awarded to students who obtain an average of at least 80% in the quizzes.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
1) Describe the issues related to the regulation of transboundary freshwaters;
2) Explain how transboundary freshwater regulations have evolved;
3) Recall and interpret the key principles governing water resource regulation;
4) Understand the role of transboundary freshwater dispute settlement mechanisms in the development of international freshwater law (or to understand the role of international courts and tribunals in the resolution of conflicts)
This MOOC was developed by the Platform for International Freshwater Law that is part of the Geneva Water Hub, assisted by the MOOC Team of the University of Geneva. Alongside the researchers and teachers of the Platform, several international experts have also participated. This MOOC is one of three courses supported by the Water Hub Geneva and the University of Geneva. The other MOOCS are "Water Management and Policy" (www.coursera.org/learn/gestioneau) and "Ecosystem Services: a method for sustainable development "(www.coursera.org/learn/ecosystem-services). The Global Water Program of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has funded this course.
This MOOC was originally created in French. It has English subtitles.

International Water Law
at
Coursera
Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to international water law

1.0 General Introduction - Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

Copy of 1.0 General Introduction - Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

1.1 Introduction - Dr Komlan Sangbana and Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

1.2.1 Challenges in the Management and Protection of Transboundary Water Resources - Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

1.2.2. Transboundary Water Resources as a Possible Cause of Conflict - Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

1.2.3. The Benefits of Cooperation on Transboundary Water Resources - Dr Komlan Sangbana, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

1.3.1. The Multiple Utilizations of Transboundary Water Resources - Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

1.3.2. The Characteristics of the Conflicts between Utilizations - Professor Makane Moïse Mbengue, Faculty of Law, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva

1.3.3. Case Study : Conflict between Uses in the Uruguay River (Argentina/Uruguay) - Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

1.4. Conclusion - Dr Komlan Sangbana and Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

Glossary

Fundamental Legal Instruments

Formative Assessment of the Lecture 1.2

Quiz of module 1

Module 2: The Evolution of the International Regulation on Fresh Water Resources

2.1 Introduction - Dr Komlan Sangbana, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

2.2.1. The Origin of Codification of the Law Applicable to International Watercourses - Interview with Professor Lucius Caflisch, Honorary Professor at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and Former Member of the UN International Law Commission

2.2.2. The Significance of the Entry into Force of the Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses of 1997 - Professor Makane Moïse Mbengue, Faculty of Law, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva

2.2.3. The Contribution of the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes of 1992 to the Regulation of Transboundary Water Resources - Interview with Ms Francesca Bernardini, Secretary of the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

2.2.4. The Role of Civil Society in the Ratification Process of the United Nations Convention of 1997 - Interview with Ms Marie-Laure Vercambre, Director, Water for Life and Peace Programme, Green Cross International

2.3.1. The Challenges Linked to the Regulation of Groundwater Resources - Ms Raya Stephan, Expert in Water Law, International Consultant

2.3.2. The Work of the International Law Commission on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers - Ms Raya Stephan, Expert in Water Law, International Consultant

2.3.3. The Specificities of the Law on Transboundary Aquifers - Ms Raya Stephan, Expert in Water Law, International Consultant

2.3.4. Case Study : The Genevese Transboundary Aquifer (Switzerland-France) - Interview with Dr Gabriel de Los Cobos - Expert, Hydrogeologist, Department of Geology, Soil and Waste (GESDEC), Canton of Geneva

2.4. Conclusion - Dr Komlan Sangbana, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

Quiz of the Lesson 2.3

Quiz of Module 2

Module 3: The Principles of the Law on Transboundary Water Resources I

3.1. Introduction - Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

3.2.1a. The Key Principles of Water Sharing: the Principle of Equitable and Reasonable Utilization and the Obligation Not to Cause Significant Harm - Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

3.2.1. The Relationship Between the Principle of Equitable and Reasonable Utilization and the Obligation Not to Cause Significant Harm - Interview with Professor Lucius Caflisch, Honorary Professor at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and Former Member of the UN International Law Commission

3.2.2. Cooperation Between Riparian States and the Notion of the Community of Interests and Rights - Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

3.2.3. The Forms of Cooperation - Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

3.2.4. Case Study: The Experience of the Senegal River Basin Development Organization (OMVS) on the Sharing of Transboundary Water Resources - Professor Makane Moïse Mbengue, Faculty of Law, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva

3.3.1. Aims and Modalities of the Obligation on Notification on Planned Measures - Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

3.3.2. Triggering and Conduct of the Procedures on Consultations and Negotiations in the Case of Planned Measures - Dr Komlan Sangbana, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

3.4. Conclusion - Dr Komlan Sangbana, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

Quiz of module 3

The Principles of the Law on Transboundary Water Resources II

4.1. Introduction of Module 4 - Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

4.2.1. The Contribution of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to the Protection and Management of Water Resources - Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

4.2.2. The Fight against the Pollution of Water Resources - Dr Komlan Sangbana, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

4.2.3. Water and Climate Change - Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

4.2.4. The Water Charters in Africa: An Innovative Instrument for the Protection of the Aquatic Environment - Professor Makane Moïse Mbengue, Faculty of Law, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva

Lecture 4.3.1 The Right to Water and Public Participation - Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

4.3.2. Case Study: Public Participation in the Context of the International Joint Commission (Canada/United States) - Dr Komlan Sangbana, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

4.4. Conclusion - Dr Mara Tignino, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

Quiz of Module 4

Module 5: Prevention and Resolution of Water-Related Disputes

5.1. Introduction of Module 5 - Dr Mara Tignino and Dr Komlan Sangbana, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

5.2.1. The Variety of Diplomatic Means to Settle Water Disputes - Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

5.2.2. The Judicial Means to Settle Water Disputes - Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

5.3.1. The Settlement of Disputes in the Context of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses of 1997 - Interview with Professor Lucius Caflisch, Honorary Professor at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and Former Member of the UN International Law Commission

5.3.2. The Contribution of Joint Mechanisms to the Settlement of Water Disputes - Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva

5.3.3. The Settlement of Water Disputes: Practical Aspects - Professor Makane Moïse Mbengue, Faculty of Law, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva

5.4. Conclusion - Dr Mara Tignino and Dr Komlan Sangbana, Platform for International Water Law/Geneva Water Hub, University of Geneva

Quiz of module 5