Regulation of transboundary environmental impacts in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey

What is it about?

International freshwater systems are interconnected regimes. This means impacts - such as pollution - caused in the territory of one riparian state will be felt in other riparian states. Therefore, to comprehensively address the effects an international freshwater systems' development not only domestic but also cross-boarder effects will have to be considered. Regrettably most domestic environmental law regimes do not contemplate transboundary impacts. Transboundary environmental impact assessment may fill this void.

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Why is it important?

Freshwater is a scares natural resource; in particular in the arid Near and Middle East. In addition, water demand is rising with growing populations, changes in lifestyle and industrial development. Still, we cannot increase the amount of water available on the planet and preparing salt water for its application as freshwater is comparatively energy and cost intensive. Increasing the efficiency of freshwater use, therefore, is an important mean to address growing water demand. As a regulatory tool to identify possible impacts on freshwater systems transboundary environmental impact assessment can significantly add to increasing efficiency of freshwater use.