Current Developments in the Law Relating to International Watercourses

Implications for Portugal

Resumo

The United Nations adopted on 21 May 1997 a Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses. Despite thirty years Df work on the topic, the solution reached in this Convention is not embraced by ali States. The tension between the interests of upstream and downstream States continues to be a source of controversy. European States have demonstrated how regional agreements may successfully address the multi pIe is sues related to the development and management of intemational watercourses. Portugal, as a downstream State on some transboundary watercourses, must be aware of the existing legal regimes that may assist in the resolution of any potential disputes over its shared water resources.