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The role of international case law in implementing the obligation not to cause significant harm

Author

Listed:
  • Mara Tignino

    (University of Geneva)

  • Christian Bréthaut

    (University of Geneva)

Abstract

The no-harm principle is at the heart of the several international conventions focusing on the uses, allocation, management and protection of transboundary water resources. However, in the framework of these agreements, the meaning of “no-harm” remains rather vague. Through an analysis of six emblematic cases brought before the International Court of Justice and arbitration tribunals, we elucidate the various facets of this principle. In doing so, the paper identifies four facets. The first is characterized by concerns related to the protection of territorial integrity rather than those related to the protection of the environment. The second facet focuses on the principle of equitable and reasonable use of water, which testifies to the willingness to anticipate possible harms and to define conditions for cooperation between neighbouring countries. The third facet explores the use of three instruments and emphasizes their importance to clarify the very nature of harm: the conduct of environmental impact assessment, the consultation of local populations and the insurance of minimum environmental flows. The fourth facet develops a preventive perspective on harm by unravelling the duty to take appropriate measures to prevent and mitigate risks deriving from the obligations of notification and consultation.

Suggested Citation

  • Mara Tignino & Christian Bréthaut, 2020. "The role of international case law in implementing the obligation not to cause significant harm," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 631-648, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ieaple:v:20:y:2020:i:4:d:10.1007_s10784-020-09503-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10784-020-09503-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Salman M. A. Salman, 2009. "The World Bank Policy for Projects on International Waterways : An Historical and Legal Analysis," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 2631, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Joyeeta Gupta & Aarti Gupta & Courtney Vegelin, 2022. "Equity, justice and the SDGs: lessons learnt from two decades of INEA scholarship," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 393-409, June.
    2. Peter H. Sand & Jeffrey McGee, 2022. "Lessons learnt from two decades of international environmental agreements: law," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 263-278, June.
    3. Naho Mirumachi & Margot Hurlbert, 2022. "Reflecting on twenty years of international agreements concerning water governance: insights and key learning," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 317-332, June.

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