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University of Geneva

International Water Law

In recent decades, international law has undergone a series of major developments in order to accommodate the many new facets of freshwater management and protection. The adoption of universal, regional and basin instruments highlights how important it is to study the evolution of international water regulations and to be able to identify the main principles in this field. This course aims to provide the necessary background to understand and examine the regulation applicable to transboundary freshwaters especially to rivers, lakes and aquifers. It presents the principles and legal standards that govern the use, sharing, management and protection of these resources. The MOOC is made up of 5 modules. As each module addresses a different theme, they can be viewed in any order. However, the modules do follow a certain pedagogical logic and following in order will be especially helpful to those who are new to the subject. Each module is accompanied by an evaluation questionnaire or quiz. A certificate will be awarded to students who obtain an average of at least 80% in the quizzes. By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1) Describe the issues related to the regulation of transboundary freshwaters; 2) Explain how transboundary freshwater regulations have evolved; 3) Recall and interpret the key principles governing water resource regulation; 4) Understand the role of transboundary freshwater dispute settlement mechanisms in the development of international freshwater law (or to understand the role of international courts and tribunals in the resolution of conflicts) This MOOC was developed by the Platform for International Freshwater Law that is part of the Geneva Water Hub, assisted by the MOOC Team of the University of Geneva. Alongside the researchers and teachers of the Platform, several international experts have also participated. This MOOC is one of three courses supported by the Water Hub Geneva and the University of Geneva. The other MOOCS are "Water Management and Policy" (www.coursera.org/learn/gestioneau) and "Ecosystem Services: a method for sustainable development "(www.coursera.org/learn/ecosystem-services). The Global Water Program of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has funded this course. This MOOC was originally created in French. It has English subtitles.

Status: International Relations
Status: Environmental Regulations
IntermediateCourse10 hours

Featured reviews

NT

5.0Reviewed Aug 14, 2023

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of international water law, and the functions of river basin organizations

PM

5.0Reviewed Jun 4, 2020

Interesting Course proving a basic knowledge of International Waters and the laws that govern them. The case studies are very interesting to understand the treaties and laws.

JJ

5.0Reviewed Mar 19, 2018

This course really helps for all the legal field person specially for those who wish to build their career in ENVIRONMENTAL LAW not only at domestic but at also international level.

KK

5.0Reviewed Jun 16, 2022

E​xercises were really challenging!I​ had to go through the course by reading subtitles alone. But the teachers were cheerful and made it easier. <3

JE

5.0Reviewed Jun 7, 2020

Great subject, great material on a very important and increasingly actual topic which will be of growing importance as the availability of water becomes increasingly an issue.

MM

5.0Reviewed Oct 15, 2020

The program was very useful, and thanks to everyone who contributed to it I suggest that the student receive at the end of the program the course materials in pdfthank you

RB

5.0Reviewed May 4, 2023

This is the toughest course that I have taken so far in Cousera series. Nevertherless, I feel very satisfied in completing this course. Thanks much.

UZ

5.0Reviewed Jul 4, 2020

This coarse will give you a basic overview of Laws and mechanisms to resolve trans-boundary water disputes. Knowledge regarding issues and case studies related to ground water and fresh water.

ME

4.0Reviewed Jun 8, 2020

very insightful course, but wouldve been better if it was at least english dubbed. So 5 stars the course along with the lecturers and 3 stars to the platform.

SS

5.0Reviewed Dec 15, 2020

The course gave a great insight on the importance of international trans-boundary water resources and its dispute management procedures with lot of examples and case studies.

OD

5.0Reviewed May 15, 2020

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of International Water Law and the need to protect and efficiently manage transboundary water sources. Highly recommend it !

KV

4.0Reviewed Jun 26, 2020

An interesting course on international water law. For me, this is a new area of study and I would be interested to learn how this law is applied in different parts of the world.

All reviews

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