Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science

Introduction

"The Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science is building a new generation of local water leaders, through excellence in research and teaching, both in Dundee and by partnerships throughout the world. The Centre (formerly the International Water Law Research Institute) is located within the Postgraduate School of Management and Policy at the University of Dundee. The Centre operates under the auspices of UNESCO and is part of the IHP HELP programme. Established in 1999, HELP addresses the core themes of UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme by establishing a global network of basins to improve the links between hydrology and the needs of society. It uses hydrological science to support improved integrated catchment management and ameliorates the complex relationships between hydrological processes, water resources management, ecology, socio-economics and policy-making. The Centre acts as the Regional Coordinating Unit for the 20+ European HELP basins.

The Centre undertakes a wide breadth of research and consultancy recognising that if water law is to effectively implement IWRM and help the international community reach international development targets three essential elements must be considered: water rights, frameworks for allocation, and institutional mechanisms.

The Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science is uniquely qualified to provide advisory services in international and national water law and policy. It is a hub of experts focusing on applying an interdisciplinary approach, identifying and responding to water resources management issues and it has been instrumental in making law an integral part of this process" .

Mission Statement

They also describe how "The Centre’s mission is to contribute to conflict prevention and poverty alleviation at the global, regional and national levels through ensuring equitable and sustainable use of water resources; and to promote river basin management based on partnerships between stakeholders, managers and scientists. An established leader in research, postgraduate teaching and executive training in water law and policy, the Centre has recently added to its core of national, international and trans-national water lawyers, hydrologists and geographers.

The Centre aims to assist national governments and international agencies in meeting the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, and to develop innovative models and practices for integrated water resources management. It does this through research, teaching and advisory / consultancy services around the globe, with a particular focus on the countries of Central, East and South Asia, the Caucasus, and Africa" .

Core Staff

• Professor. Dr. Patricia Wouters

• Professor. Allan Werrity

• Professor. Michael Bonell

• Dr Michael Hantke-Domas

• Andrew Allan

• Dr. Alistair S Rieu-Clarke

• Dr. Sarah Hendry

• Monica Garcia Quesada