Himalayan Solutions Co-operation and Security in River Basins

The objective of this report is to explore how river basins in the Himalayan region, and particularly shared water resources, can foster cooperation and security between Bangladesh, China, India and Nepal. The conventional view is that depleting water resources, growing problem of pollution, uncertain risks posed by climate change together may lead to competition for resources, migration, social instability, internal conflicts and diplomatic tensions between countries. This view is realistic and was discussed in detail in a previous report of Strategic Foresight Group. It has contributed to spreading the awareness of security risks associated with water crisis in the Himalayan region. The next step is to move from awareness of causes of insecurity and conflicts to the exploration of confidence building and conflict prevention measures. It requires a paradigm shift in our mental frameworks from a mindset of conflict to a mindset of cooperation and security. Such a mental change is a challenging task, but the countries sharing Himalayan River Basins do not have too many other options to sustain their societies, economies and ecology. 

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