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Water Scarcity in Bangladesh and South Asia: Examining dynamics of conflict and cooperation

Introduction

Water is considered as one of the most crucial non-traditional security issues. Water security is a subtle concept, but consensus is beginning to emerge in the world community. Water security is essential for human access for health, wellbeing, economic and political stability. It is essential to limit risks of water related hazards. A complete and fair valuation of the resource, sustainability of ecosystems at all parts of the hydrologic cycle and an equitable and cooperative sharing of water resources is very necessary.

It is a great irony that our planet that has 70% of its surface covered with water is facing an acute water crisis. The World Water Assessment Program, released World Water Development Report (WWDR, 2003), published by the UNESCO indicates that within next 20 years the availability of water would decreased to everyone by 30%. Less than 40% has the availability of hygiene water. In 2000 more than 2.2 million people died of water diseases for contaminated water. In 2004 the UK charity Water Aid reported that one child die in every 15 seconds for water-related diseases.;

Water scarcity is one of the key challenges in Bangladesh and South Asia. The Himalayan River Basin are seriously threatened by water stress with implications for internal and cross-boundary development and security in the region. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable country due to climate related water challenges.

Figure: Areas vulnerable to climate-related water challenges

Source: German Advisory Council for Global Change

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