The Global Rundown
Restoring water tanks could help Sri Lanka recover from decades of civil war. The survival of the India-Pakistan Indus Water Treaty appears weak according to a United Nations report. Many people in Guatemala lack adequate access to water amidst political turmoil, racial tensions, and ongoing drought. Pastoralists and wildlife fight for resources as water dwindles in Kenya’s North Rift Valley. Population growth in Central Asia could spark water-related border conflict.
“[The government] has failed to provide the services the constitution mandates to all of the people.” –Former Guatemalan Vice-President Eduardo Stein, in reference to the uneven distribution of water in the country. Water in Guatemala is centralized, but political instability and racial tensions have left certain populations with limited access to the resource. Ongoing drought threatens to further aggravate the country’s dysfunctional water distribution system. Wilson Center
By The Numbers
320 Number of water tanks that the Sri Lankan government plans to rehabilitate as part of an environmentally-conscious postwar recovery plan. In ancient times, a network of canals and water tanks ran throughout Sri Lanka. But the system lies destroyed after decades of mismanagement and civil war. The government hopes that rebuilding water infrastructure will foster peace while also easing the affects of climate change. The Guardian
1000 Number of goats killed by crocodiles in the past month at Lake Baringo, one of the few remaining water sources in Kenya’s North Rift Valley. Water scarcity is forcing pastoralists to invade animal habitats and conservancies in search of water for their herds. This has endangered wildlife and livestock, and caused tension between pastoralists and conservationists. Business Daily Africa
Science, Studies, And Reports
Even as it hails the Indus Waters Treaty as an outstanding example of conflict resolution, the United Nations warns that the treaty may not survive. The water pact mandates water distribution between India and Pakistan. The UNDP report claims that the treaty fails to address water shortage and storage issues, which could lead to its deterioration. Hindustan Times
On The Radar
Water conflicts have flared in Central Asia for centuries, but population growth in the Fergana Valley could be a new cause for water-related disputes. The valley is densely populated, landlocked, and shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Forbes
Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter
