• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2015.05a
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• pp.230-230
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• 2015

When and why do states cooperate in international basins? In recent years, there have been increasing attempts to apply international relations theories such as realism and neo-liberal institutionalism in understanding prospect of cooperation among sovereign states over shared rivers. Realists of hydropolitics argue that fate of cooperation resides in hands of hegemons and distribution of aggregate power among riparian states. Such pessimistic contention has been challenged by neo-liberal institutionalists, especially through regime theory. However, regime theory barely explains why and how cooperation emerges in the first place prior to regime formation. Therefore, the research suggests the game theory from neo-liberal institutionalism as an alternative theoretic approach. The accountability of Oye (1986)'s theoretical framework is illustrated through the case of cooperation in the Rhine River Basin.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.155-160
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• 2022

The debate of South-North transboundary rivers must be expanded from the existing cooperation in water resources towards cooperation within ecosystem conservation. Regarding the Han and Imjin rivers confluence water system, the nature of the estuarine ecosystem must be conserved considering the aspect of climate change. Furthermore, the agenda of maintaining continuous inter-Korean communication and cooperation should focus on ecosystem conservation, including conserving migratory species that inhabit both Koreas. Notably, within the Han and Imjin rivers confluence, transboundary rivers are abundant legally protected species such as Grus vipio, Anser fabalis, Anser cygnoides, Platalea minor, Lutra lutra, Prionailurus bengalensis which suggests a strong need for a debate regarding habitat conservation. This study analyzed the ecosystem conditions and environmental aspects within the confluence of Han and Imjin rivers. In addition, this study provided step wise approach of ecosystem conservation that consider conditions for potential direct inter-Korean cooperation. The inter-Korean cooperation mentioned in this study will be developed into legitimate cooperation once the results from monitoring the ecosystem of transboundary rivers, awareness raising are exchanged.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2015.05a
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• pp.223-223
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• 2015

This research evaluates cooperation in transboundary rivers with special reference to the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS) program in the Mekong River Basin. The benefit sharing approach has been deployed as a theoretical framework to analyze the extent to which the riparian states have achieved cooperation. The river basin governance led by the Mekong River Commission since 1995 has not adequately performed due to non-participation of upstream countries and the lack of law enforcement mechanism. Since the late 1980s, China has undertaken hydropower development unilaterally, thereby triggering discomfort from the Lower Mekong countries. The GMS program has led China to strengthening economic ties with the downstream countries through hydropower development as investors and developers. The program has also supported the establishment of economic corridors, and removal of physical barriers and has paved the way for cooperation in other sectors, such as the environment, agriculture, tourism and energy. There are challenges for further cooperation, including the development gaps between China and the downstream countries, political tensions and environment impacts of hydropower dams in the river basin. The Mekong River Basin shows the possibility of cooperation through benefit sharing. Sharing benefits accrued from the river and beyond the river between China and the downstream countries have enhanced economic ties, thereby consolidating cooperation each another.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2008.05a
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• pp.1472-1476
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• 2008

남북 공유하천은 크게 임진강과 북한강으로 대별된다. 이중 임진강은 2000년을 기점으로 상호 협력방안이 모색되고 있다. 그러나 북한강수계에서는 북한이 유역변경을 위해 대댐을 건설하여 운영중에 있는 등 남북관계에 있어서 협력과 갈등이 공존하고 있는 상황이다. 국제공유하천에 있어 수자원 개발과 이용은 협력과 공평성에 기초하여야 한다. 그러나 갈등은 모든 국제하천이 가지고 있는 공통의 문제로 해결을 위한 대안마련에 많은 노력이 필요하다. 그럼에도 국 내외의 사례에서 볼 수 있듯이 예방적 조치들이 미약한 것이 현실이다. 남 북한 공유하천에서도 수자원 이용과 관련된 문제점은 계속되고 있다. 특히, 북한강 수계의 경우 상류유역을 점하고 있는 북한이 임남댐을 건설해 유역변경 수력발전을 함으로서 하류를 점하고 있는 남한지역에서는 하천관리 및 용수공급 등 지장을 받고 있다. 얼마 전에는 댐의 안정성 문제가 제기되어 국가안보 차원에서 문제를 다루어야 할 정도로 중대 사안이 되었다. 임진강 유역에서는 수해방지를 위한 남 북한간 협력체제의 토대가 마련되어 가고 있지만 황강댐의 유역변경 이 구체화될 경우 문제는 더욱 복잡해진다. 본 연구에서는 국제공유하천의 갈등해소 이론을 바탕으로 보다 현실적인 접근방법을 대안으로 제시하고자 하였다.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.5B
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• pp.505-514
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• 2008

The Imjin and North Han River are sharing watershed between South and North Korea. In Imjin river basin, the April 5th dam and Hwanggang dam which are already constructed or on constrution, causes problems in water supply in the downstrean area. At the same time, in the North Han River basin, the Imnam dam is being operated for diversion to Anbyeon Youngman Hydropower Plant and it gives rise to conflict between South and North by reducing streamflow in the North Han River of South Korean side. Therefore, a cooperative framework needs to be built for settling the pending issues. In this study, based on the theory of conflict resolution in the international shared river basin, the practical alternatives are suggested. These approaches are expected to help in preparing reasonable resolution ahead of seeking political decision. Also, in order to preparing consistent and reasonable river management measures, the South-North shared river management commission was suggested.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.376-384
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• 2017

Bangladesh is a South Asian country with subtropical monsoonal climate between the intersection of the Indo-Himalayan and Indo-Chinese sub-regions, is known as biodiversity hotspot of the Asian region. The country has different types of forest like deciduous forest, evergreen forest, mixed forest, haor (wetlands) and mangrove forest. The natural beauty of the country is increased with the presence of so many rivers, longest sea beach of the world, green plants, critical hilly regions and green agricultural forest widely spread here and there. Sundarbans is the world largest mangrove forest and world natural heritage site declared by UNESCO in 1999 situated in Bangladesh and India. About 62 percent of this mangrove forest is situated in Bangladesh and there are so many plants and animals are found in this forest. To meet the increasing demand of the large population most of the natural ecosystem is now altered, deforestation rate is increased, natural habitat of the species is disturbed. Due to the imbalance of the climate and natural system many of the rare species of the world found this region is now endangered and some of the species are extinct. Directly or indirectly they are benefited from natural resources. At present time community, based ecotourism is also an important source of income for rural poor peoples. To protect the natural resources the government is now developed so many conservation acts and policy as well NGOs are also doing work for the conservation of ecosystem and biodiversity. At present transboundary pollutants and so many natural disasters also destruct the natural resources of Bangladesh.