2. Water Resources Conflict Management: Social Risk Management

The global social risks of managing water resources are swiftly increasing. Managing water resources conflicts is the most essential and serious problem for the survival of human beings. Firstly, this chapter analyses water resources conflicts in Japan and abroad – especially the conflict between India and Bangladesh – the circumstances in these areas, and the reasons for the strife that afflicts them. With the aim of ensuring regional sustainability, the authors try to answer the question: ‘What is Sustainability?’, and show the need for a paradigm shift in water resources management amidst conditions of social inequality. Next, the chapter examines a meta-methodology for managing water resources conflicts, with a focus on the GES (Geo-, Eco- and Socio-) environment, a time-based circulation system of mid- and long-term environmental change, and an adaptive water resources planning. Finally, some examples of research are briefly introduced from three phases of meta-methodology, including ‘producing alternatives’, a multiple evaluation’ and ‘conflict management’.