Water poses both a threat and an opportunity. Increasing scarcity of clean fresh water impedes development, undercuts human health, and plays critical roles along the conflict continuum between and within states. While rarely (if ever) starting a war between states, water allocation is often a key sticking point in ending conflict and undertaking national and regional reconstruction and development (Curius, Dabelko, and Wolf 2004)
Curius, A, D Dabelko, and A Wolf. 2004. “Water, Conflict, and Cooperation,” no. 10.
World Water Day, celebrated each year on March 22nd, since 1993, celebrates water and raises awareness of the ongoing global water crisis. The theme this year is Valuing Water. Much more than just price, water has huge value for households, food, culture, health, education, and the environment (UN Water 2021).
Associate Professor IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Susanne Schmeier is an associate professor at IHE Delft – Institute for Water Education. Her research and advisory work focuses on conflict and cooperation over water resources and tools and approaches for preventing and mitigating water-related conflict and instability risks.
