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DAM-L Asmal Challenges "Water War" Rhetoric/LS (fwd)
WCD Press Release
World Commission On Dams Chair Challenges "Water War" Rhetoric
Winner of 2000 Stockholm Water Prize Asmal takes on global theory
that water scarcity leads to conflict
STOCKHOLM, Monday, Aug. 14 -- In a policy address before the
Stockholm Water Forum, World Commission on Dams Chair Prof. Kader
Asmal today questioned the motivations and basis for a widespread
doctrine that drives foreign policies and global aid: Prevention of
Water Wars.
After reviewing the bleak facts about water scarcity, and
acknowledging how that leads to stress, Asmal argued that there is no
basis for spreading alarm, mobilising, strengthening borders or
launching unilateral top-down campaign. All of which have been
advocated by global experts.
Officials from the US Department of the Defense, CIA, State
Department and White House met to consider the international
implications of water conflicts. The result, was a multimillion
dollar agenda to resolve global water disputes, on grounds, said the
Secretary of State, that "As competition for water intensifies,
further disagreements over access and use are likely to erupt."
"With all due respect to my friends," said Asmal, "have battles ever
been fought over water? Is water scarcity a casus belli? Does it
divide nations? The answer is no, no and no. Indeed, water, by its
nature, tends to induce even hostile co-riparian countries to
co-operate, even as disputes rage over other issues. The weight of
historical evidence demonstrates that organised political bodies have
signed 3600 water related treaties since AD 805. Of seven minor
water-related skirmishes, all began over non-water issues."
"There is some value to sensational Water War rhetoric," Asmal
acknowledged. "Alarmists awaken people to the underlying reality of
water scarcity, and rally their troops to become more progressive and
interdependent. By contrast, to challenge that rhetoric is to risk
making us passive about the status quo, or delay needed innovations
or co-operation...
But the Water War rhetoric must not replace the vacuum left by the
Cold War's end. If the 'water's-for-fighting' chorus is off key, its
disharmony affects lives as well. It shifts energy and resources from
local priorities to foreign affairs. It scares off investment where
it is most in need. It reshuffles priorities, delays implementation
of policy. It is easier to ignore their thirst than to divert
attention to potential foreign threats, real or imagined. Easier, not
better. To help the poor and weak, let us together reform our
unstable, consumptive habits to share limited supplies…"
The full text of Professor Asmal's speech is available at
http://www.dams.org/speeches/speech7.htm
Further Information: James Workman (27) 21 426 4000 / jworkman@dams.org