Transboundary Water Governance in the Kabul River Basin: Implementing Environmental and Public Diplomacy Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Authors

  • Bindu Panikkar University of Vermont
  • Asim Zia Department of Community Development and Applied Economics & Department of Computer Science at the University of Vermont
  • Susan Sgorbati Center for the Advancement of Public Action at Bennington College
  • Michael Cohen The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies; Bennington College
  • Muhammand Abid Prime Minister Office - Agriculture and Water Prime Minister Reforms Team (PMRT)
  • Muhammad Fayyaz Community Motivation and Development Organization
  • Nadia Hashimi World Bank Group
  • Shaukat Ali German Development Bank (KFW)
  • Monir Ahmad Ottawa University Heart Institute
  • Zuhra Aman Aga Khan Foundation Canada
  • Suleiman Halasah Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
  • Diana Rice Dawson College
  • Gemma Del Rossi University of Vermont
  • Benjamin Ryan Institute for Environmental Diplomacy and Security at the University of Vermont
  • Kashif Hameed Center for Research Communication and Dialogue
  • Mujahid Hussain People Empowering & Development Alternatives (PEDA) International
  • Naeem Salimee Coordination of Afghan Relief

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20377/cgn-80

Keywords:

Science Diplomacy, Water, Environmental Monitoring, Citizen Science, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Global Climate Change, Food-Energy-Water Security, Planetary Health

Abstract

This research highlights the outcomes of the environmental diplomacy workshop held between members of civil society from Afghanistan and Pakistan on water cooperation in the Kabul River Basin, one of the most heavily conflicted transboundary river basins in the world. Lack of trust among these upstream and downstream riparian partners and persistent failures of Track 1 diplomacy initiatives has led to an absence of governance mechanisms for mitigating the water security concerns in the region. This research shows that science and public diplomacy, democratic participation, and social learning may pave a way to clear local misconceptions, improve transboundary water cooperation, and increase ecological stewardship in the Kabul River Basin.

Author Biography

Bindu Panikkar, University of Vermont

Assistant Professor 

Rubenstien School of Environment & Natural Resources

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Published

2019-10-24