The Greening of Water Law: Managing Freshwater Resources for People and the Environment

This report examines the development and application of international legal principles governing freshwater resources, with a focus on integrating environmental considerations into water law. It situates water governance within global policy frameworks and multilateral environmental agreements, highlighting links between water access, public health, and sustainable development goals. The document analyses key legal principles, including equitable and reasonable utilisation and pollution prevention, and evaluates their implementation through treaties and state practice. It further reviews regulatory approaches to transboundary waters and aquifers, emphasising ecosystem protection, water quality standards, and cooperative management mechanisms.