Due to the many complexities the Colorado and Brahmaputra watersheds present, I have developed a methodology that corresponds with an hourglass research approach.
T R A N S B O U N D A R Y B A C K G R O U N D
My initial research will be collecting background information on transboundary water basins including: what are the most prominant basins in the world, what are the main uses of these resources, and what agreements have been found in determining the political management of the basins. The general question I will be addressing is:
In transboundary water basins, what key forces have propelled increased use, and how does their transboundary status affect that exploitation?
H I S T O R I C A L C O N T E X T
After developing a basic understanding of the watersheds, I will investigate the historical management of these two resources. In doing so, I will be asking:
How has settlement, agricultural development, urbanization, damming, or other factors, influenced the management of the Colorado and Brahmaputra watersheds? What are the histories of major surface water project developments in these watersheds?
F O C U S E D A S S E S S M E N T
Launching off of the historical backgrounds gathered, the ecological and political statuses of each watershed will become more clear as I analyze current information and ongoing impacts. The benefits and repercussions of proposed surface water projects will be researched and their various transboundary issues determined. Establishing the dilemmas and solutions created by various management decisions of the headwater nations will help bring clarity to the Brahmaputra and Colorado’s situational similarities and differences. My general focused questions are:
How is the management of each watershed reacting to the presence of, or potential for, increased ecological variability and transboundary political instability? Are current surface water project development plans being impacted by such consequences and what are the international responses?
B R O A D E R I M P L I C A T I O N S
The comparisons I am able to make between the Colorado and Brahmaputra will hopefully help me determine what responsible management options are available in regards to growing surface water dilemmas. I will be widening the scope of my study to a more global range regarding how nations are reacting to their watershed concerns on an international scale.
In the face of global water scarcity, how are management systems, which control the headwaters of major watersheds, currently adapting to prevent or mitigate transboundary tensions? What cooperative efforts have been development and implemented effectively?