Central Eurasian water crisis: Caspian, Aral, and
Dead SeasThis is the old United Nations University website. Visit the new site at http://unu.edu
Central Eurasian water crisis: Caspian, Aral, and
Dead Seas
Edited by Iwao Kobori and Michael H. Glantz
© The United Nations University, 1998
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This book emanates from the research project entitled "Hydropolitics and Ecopolitical Decision-making." The project aims to identify the issues in disputes concerning trans-boundary water resources; selected alternative scenarios that could lead to the solution of complex problems related to water and environment; and recommended processes through which the concerned countries are likely to agree on mutually satisfactory solutions to the problems by sharing resources and benefits. The research project is also intended to provide a comprehensive and objective environmental management setting for the sustainable development of international water bodies. In its initial phase, the project focused on trans-boundary freshwater resources in the Middle East and Asia.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Central Eurasian water crisis: Caspian, Aral, and Dead seas/edited by Iwao Kobori and Michael H. Glantz.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 9280809253 (pbk.)
1. Water-supply-Asia. 2. Sustainable development-Asia.
3. Water rights-Asia. I. Kobori, Iwao, 1924-. II. Glantz,
Michael H.
TD299.C66 1998
333.91'0095 - dc21 97-45286
CIP
1. Perspectives on water environment management
2. Central Eurasian water perspectives and arid land studies
International cooperation for peaceful water management in critical areas
3. Major environmental problems in world lakes
Declining water levels
Rapid siltation
Acidification
The progress of eutrophication
Contamination with man-made toxics
The collapse of aquatic ecosystems
Acknowledgements
References
4. Creeping environmental problems in the Aral Sea basin
Introduction
Introduction to the notion of creeping environmental problems
Characteristics of CEPs
CEPs and the Aral region
Concluding comments and a call for research
Acknowledgement
References5. The Aral Sea and socio-economic development
Introduction
The technical system of cotton monoculture
The cotton swindle
Environmental problems and human health
The problem of pesticide pollution
The environment of the Aral Sea and international cooperation
The future of Central Asia
Recommendations
References6. Satellite image maps of the Aral Sea and Central Asia
A word on Aral
The role of academic research in solving the ecological problems of the Aral Sea region
References
Iranian strategies in Central Asia
8. Environmental policy-making for sustainable development of the Caspian Sea area
Introduction
Morphometry and the principal hydrological features
The water balance and water-level variations
The economic impacts on the Caspian states of the water-level variations
Other development issues requiring international cooperation
Conclusions
Acknowledgement
References9. Iranian perspectives on the Caspian Sea and Central Asia
Introduction
Iran's northern geopolitical interests
The issue of lake Hamun and the Hirmand River
Conclusion
Notes
References
10. Principles for confidence-building measures in the Jordan River watershed
Introduction
Background
Hydrography
International water rights law
Cooperative watershed development
Technological and management alternatives for the future
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
Notes
References11. Alternative strategies in the inter-state regional development of the Jordan Rift Valley
Introduction
Canal schemes for co-generation
The Peace Drainage Canal scheme and eco-political decision-making
The Aqaba hybrid scheme
Techno-political assessment of the Peace Drainage Canal and the Med/Red-Dead Sea canal
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
Part V: International organizations and inland seas
International water bodies require integrated management
The need for international efforts and a role for international organizations
The UNU: Accomplishments to promote sound management of international waters
Assistance given by UNEP and the World Bank to the Aral Sea programme
Programme for the Caspian Sea basin as an international effort
Conclusions
References