Water Cooperation and Diplomacy from Coursera

If you are a student, a professional, an academic, or policy/decision maker involved in water cooperation and diplomacy, this MOOC is addressed to you.

It enhances your scientific knowledge and capacities to engage in water cooperation and diplomacy processes; it also gives you ammunition to contribute to the public debate and discourses on shared waters. Finally, it connects you with other professionals, students, decision and policy makers as well as academics from around the world, and offers you opportunities to exchanges views, experiences and knowledge with them.

This course is composed of five modules and includes a variety of innovative training material i.e. lectures, interviews, maps, case studies, exercises and simulations.

Main topics include:

• The core features of the concept of water diplomacy

• The causes and dynamics of water conflicts and cooperation

• Water Diplomacy Tools and Processes

• Legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy, and

• The role of information and knowledge in water cooperation and diplomacy processes

Enrol and integrate our water cooperation and diplomacy community!

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the core features of the concept of water diplomacy

In this module you are introduced to the core features of the concept of water diplomacy. You familiarize with various definitions of water diplomacy, as well as existing similiarities and differences among them. You are presented with key elements related to the implementation of water diplomacy i.e. scales, actors and challenges .

Causes and dynamics of water conflicts and cooperation

Transboundary water interaction takes place at different stages of conflict and cooperation. It also often happens simultaneously at various levels and in formal and informal ways. In this module you will learn how relations between actors are influenced by geographical, political and economic asymmetries and what the main theoretical approaches to explain water conflict and cooperation, are.

Water diplomacy tools and processes

This module increases your understanding and practice of, water diplomacy tools. It inspires you to be involved in related processes at various levels with various actors. It does so by (i) explaining everything you need to know on the main three tracks of water diplomacy, (ii) taking you through hands-on exercises, and (iii) assessing acquired skills needed when addressing complex water issues, in the future.

Legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy

This module increases your understanding of various legal and institutional frameworks relevant to water cooperation and diplomacy. You will be able to understand, name and explain a number of legal tools and institutional arrangements whose use is pertinent to water cooperation and diplomacy.

The role of data, information and knowledge in water cooperation and diplomacy

Data exchange and joint fact finding can contribute to building trust, and information and knowledge informs transboundary water management. However, data on water resources can be protected as matter of national security which prevents data exchange. Identifying what data and information is needed to take decisions is a difficult task, and power imbalances can influence data collection, knowledge production, and narratives. This module teaches you who produces and uses data, information and knowledge, and how different actors use these to influence water cooperation.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners in water cooperation and diplomacy processes

Taught by an expert faculty at Wageningen University and IHE Delft Institute

Covers unique perspectives are ideas that may add color to other topics and subjects

Develops professional skills or deep expertise in water cooperation and diplomacy

Enhances scientific knowledge and capacities to engage in water cooperation and diplomacy processes

Offers hands-on labs and interacive materials

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Water Cooperation and Diplomacy with these activities:

Water Diplomacy Resource Compilation

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Gather and organize materials related to water diplomacy to supplement your learning and create a valuable reference for future use.

Browse courses on Water Cooperation

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Collect articles, reports, and other resources on water diplomacy.
Organize and categorize the resources for easy reference.

Water Diplomacy Discussion Forum

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Engage with fellow students and experts in an online discussion forum to exchange ideas, ask questions, and broaden your perspectives on water diplomacy.

Browse courses on Water Cooperation

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Join and participate in online discussion forums related to water diplomacy.
Contribute to discussions by sharing insights, asking questions, and responding to others.

Water Diplomacy in Practice

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Explore real-world examples of water diplomacy in action to gain practical insights and perspectives.

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Identify and review case studies of successful water diplomacy initiatives.
Analyze the strategies and approaches used in these case studies.

Four other activities

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Water Diplomacy Simulation Exercises

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Engage in hands-on simulations to practice applying water diplomacy tools and strategies in different scenarios.

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Participate in online or in-person water diplomacy simulations.
Analyze the outcomes of the simulations and reflect on your own performance.

Infographic on Water Cooperation Case Study

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Visually illustrate a successful water cooperation case study to solidify your understanding of effective water diplomacy practices.

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Select a specific water cooperation case study.
Gather data and information on the case study.
Design and create an infographic that presents the key elements of the case study.

Develop a Water Diplomacy Action Plan

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Apply your knowledge of water diplomacy tools and processes by creating a plan that addresses a specific water-related issue.

Browse courses on Water Cooperation

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Identify a transboundary water issue and define the scope of your plan.
Research and analyze relevant water diplomacy tools and processes.
Develop a comprehensive action plan outlining strategies and timelines.

Policy Brief on Legal Frameworks for Water Cooperation

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Analyze and synthesize your understanding of legal frameworks for water cooperation by developing a policy brief that addresses a specific legal issue.

Browse courses on Water Law

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Research and identify a legal issue related to water cooperation.
Analyze relevant legal frameworks and case studies.
Develop policy recommendations based on your analysis.

Career center

Learners who complete Water Cooperation and Diplomacy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers work to protect the environment by investigating and mitigating environmental hazards and reducing pollution to the environment. This course can give an Environmental Engineer a strong foundation in using effective tools for implementing water cooperation and diplomacy to effect positive change. It also teaches how to assess and manage water resource related projects, a key part of most Environmental Engineer roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers oversee the planning, development, and management of water resources. This course can be very useful for a Water Resources Manager, as it teaches them about water conflicts and cooperation from a legal and institutional standpoint. It also teaches advanced water diplomacy tools that any Water Resources Manager can use on the job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager

Water Policy Analyst

Water Policy Analysts provide research and advice on water policy issues to inform decision makers. This course can be useful for a Water Policy Analyst to take because It helps them to gain a deeper understanding of water diplomacy and the legal and institutional frameworks that shape water cooperation. It also equips them to analyze water policy issues from a multidisciplinary perspective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Policy Analyst

Water Resources Planner

Water Resources Planners develop and implement plans to manage water resources. This course can be helpful for a Water Resources Planner because it teaches them about the causes and dynamics of water conflicts and cooperation. It also reviews the legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy, all topics relevant to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Planner

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop environmental policies. This course can be useful for an Environmental Policy Analyst because it can help them to gain a deeper understanding of water diplomacy and the legal and institutional frameworks that shape water cooperation. It also equips them to analyze environmental policy issues from a multidisciplinary perspective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Water Resources Scientist

Water Resources Scientists conduct research on water resources to inform decision making. This course can be useful for a Water Resources Scientist to take because it gives them a thorough review of the legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy. It also covers how to use the role of data, information, and knowledge in water cooperation and diplomacy processes.

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Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on the Earth's surface and in the ground. This course can help a Hydrologist to gain a deeper understanding of water diplomacy and the legal and institutional frameworks that shape water cooperation. It also equips them to analyze water issues from a multidisciplinary perspective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research and provide advice on environmental issues. This course can be helpful for an Environmental Scientist because it teaches them about the causes and dynamics of water conflicts and cooperation. It also reviews the legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Geographer

Geographers study the physical and human geography of the Earth. This course can be useful for a Geographer who wants to specialize in water issues. It equips them to analyze water issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, including the legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the development of urban areas. This course may be useful for an Urban Planner to take because it teaches them about the causes and dynamics of water conflicts and cooperation. It also introduces them to the legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study politics and government. This course may be useful for a Political Scientist to take because it gives them a deeper understanding of water diplomacy and the legal and institutional frameworks that shape water cooperation. It also equips them to analyze water issues from a multidisciplinary perspective.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the living conditions of people in developing countries. This course can be useful for an International Development Specialist to take because it offers them a review of the legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy. It also covers how to use the role of data, information, and knowledge in water cooperation and diplomacy processes.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. This course may be useful for a Lawyer who wants to specialize in environmental law or international law. It equips them to analyze water issues from a legal perspective and understand the legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries in foreign countries and negotiate with foreign governments. This course can be useful for a Diplomat who wants to specialize in environmental diplomacy or international water issues. It equips them to analyze water issues from a diplomatic perspective and understand the legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy.

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Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. This course can be useful for a Journalist who wants to specialize in environmental journalism or international news. It equips them to analyze water issues from a journalistic perspective and understand the legal and institutional frameworks for water cooperation and diplomacy.

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