Monopoly

Monopoly Problems of water scar The demand of water is more than its supply because of the rapid growth in human population. The rate of replenishment of water sources is un-proportional to its usage. There is a global crisis of fresh water. Over 1 billion people in the world lack access to clean water. Economists indicate that scarce resources such as water are usually priced high (Baumol &Alan 288). Many rivers are running dry and water tables dropping across the globe. Industries and agriculture are the major consumers of fresh water (Kalpakian 174). About 70% of the world’s fresh water finds its use in irrigation and other agricultural activities. Industries consume approximately 20%. Other than the effects of global warming, there is an emerging trend of water privatization by corporations. The private sector is providing water for profit basis. As a result, there has been a lot of destruction of water reservoirs in the ecosystem (Kalpakian 174).
Tension over water control
The global water crisis has resulted in tension in countries having a shared water system. Several countries striving for economic growth compete in claiming water sources leading to rivalry. In south Asia, the Ganges and Indus River are causing tension between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh (Kalpakian 176). Both Pakistan and India are constructing hydroelectric plant along Kishanganga River. Pakistan is weary that the Indian dams will inhibit adequate water flow to their site. This dispute between Pakistan and India has led to Pakistanis militant killing over 100 Indians. Water is important to both these nations. For Pakistan, the populous country relies on irrigation while India has many hydroelectric projects that are involved in harnessing electricity for industrial use. Moreover, in central Asia, there are also water disputes between Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan who are fighting for control of the Syr Daria and Amu Daria Rivers. The Nile basin is also on dispute. The other Nile countries want a share of the Nile, which is currently in the control of Sudan and Egypt (Kalpakian 176).
Mediation of water resources by UNESCO
The tension arising in several countries because of competition of water poses a challenge. UNESCO advocates for non-confrontation resolution of conflicts. In addition, it advocates for the communal philosophy (Lee 231). This dispute resolution approach encourages the stakeholders of a common water source to come together in managing and development of that source. Mechanisms of conflict resolution regarding the water source are vital too. UNESCO dispute resolution in water conflict advocates for peaceful negotiation between the aggrieved parties. It is now calling for international cooperation between countries to increase water productivity. Cooperation is important in technology and in financing water projects in developing countries. Treatment of wastewater is important as it puts minimal stress on the fresh water sources (Lee 231).
Water agreements in Southeast Asia
There have been several negotiations leading to the signing of water treaties in Southeast Asia. These associations in Trans-boundary waters have led to cooperation in most countries leading to a reduction in conflict. Despite enmity, some countries have upheld water agreements. India and Pakistan survived because of the resolutions made by Indus River Commission. However, most countries have failed to uphold agreements. International efforts have also failed to procure lasting solutions to the conflict because of the distrust between countries. The Almaty agreement signed by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are outdated and ineffective (Vajpeyi 94).
Works CitedTop of Form
Baumol, William J, and Alan S. Blinder. Macroeconomics: Principles & Policy. Mason, OH:
South Western, Cengage Learning, 2012. PrintBottom of Form
Kalpakian, Jack. Identity, Conflict and Cooperation in International River Systems. Aldershot
[u. a.: Ashgate, 2004. Print.
Lee, Poh O. Water Issues in Southeast Asia: Present Trends and Future Directions. Singapore:
Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2013. Print.
Vajpeyi, Dhirendra K. Water Resource Conflicts and International Security: A Global
. Perspective. Lanham, Md: Lexington Books, 2012. Print