Evolution of International Norms and Values for Transboundary Groundwater Governance

Given the fact that the largest number of cases of shared water occur in aquifers, it is surprising that so little is written about this. The Trialogue Model of Governance assumes interfaces between three actor-clusters; Governance, Science and Society. International law plays a significant role in facilitating the quality of these interfaces by codifying norms and values to the extent that these can become building blocks of future cooperation. Within the IWRM paradigm, international law has the capacity to facilitate linkages at different levels. The aim of this chapter is to discuss the evolution from the traditional approach to groundwater in international law to the latest trends both at the International Law Commission and in environmental treaties. International law is not only about regulating international relations because core norms and values have the potential to be incorporated into national law.