Arrangements of cooperation

Forms of cooperation

Types of arrangement

Characteristics

Cooperative forms

Characteristics

Exchange of Letters

To set out specific commitments that may have been agreed at a particular meeting, etc.

Information sharing/data exchange

The systematic exchange of different types of information relating to the general conditions of the aquatic environment, the measurement of water flow, extractions, releases from reservoirs, sources of pollution, etc.

Joint Declaration/ Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU)

Tend to include broader principles of cooperation and is often adopted at the inter-ministerial level

Notification of Planned Measures/Notification of Emergencies

These systems consist of different procedures to manage crises, in particular monitoring, forecasting, early warning, and evacuation plans in case of catastrophes, etc.

Protocols

Tend to be concluded on the basis of more general founding agreements

Consultations

To exchange information and discuss pending issues, such as the potential impact of actual or proposed uses of the waters and ways to prevent, mitigate, or eliminate their potential or actual adverse effects, etc.

Agreement/Framework Convention/International Treaty

Tend to set out general rules and principals for governing a particular river, and may establish joint institutional arrangements such as intergovernmental commissions, etc.

Negotiations

May be viewed as a process, comprising consultations as a preliminary stage and conducted through normal diplomatic channels, summit discussions

Capacity-building

Involving forms of human resources development, such as joint education and training schemes, and the organization of academic conferences, symposia, seminars, courses, and discussions, etc.