Security and Scarcity, the Two-headed Problem of Asian Hydropolitics

Security and Scarcity, the Two-headed Problem of Asian Hydropolitics

Description

As the rift has widened between the Chinese government and the Tibetan leadership in exile during the past year, it is high time that innovative strategies be considered for conflict resolution. During a recent visit to the Netherlands, I had an opportunity to interact with the Dalai Lama at a seminar on water security organized by the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies. Sitting around a table with about fifteen scholars from Asia and Europe, the Buddhist spiritual leader called the Tibetan plateau a "third pole" of available water on the planet. The conversation was meant to be apolitical and to focus on science as a touchstone for cooperation. The Dalai Lama humorously commented that it is time we protect mountains not just because they are "sacred" but because "science tells us they are important." A global strategy is needed by scientists and policymakers alike to address the challenge of water scarcity in Asia.

Information

Author(s)
Saleem H. Ali
Publisher
Policy Innovations - The Carnegie Council's online magazine
Date / journal vol no.
February 2009

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