SAWI BLOGS by Kunzang, Senior Legal Officer National Environment Commission kunzang@nec.gov.bt T he weeklong Water Diplomacy Workshop that I attended earlier this year was an enriching learning experience. It combined the science of water with the negotiation instruction methodologies developed by the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. The workshop was a good mix of interactive lectures, problem solving method instructions, and role-play simulations that provided us participants the opportunity to learn new strategies, ideas and methods, as well as to share our experiences, especially through role-plays. During the first three days of the workshop at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), workshop instructors Prof. Lawrence and Prof. Islam admirably fulfilled the aims of the workshop. While Prof. Islam succinctly gave us relevant information on the science of water, Prof. Lawrence linked it to the negotiation instruction methodologies. The subject of water diplomacy framework, which constituted a major part of the workshop, focused on three primary issues: acknowledging the key assumptions about water and water networks; characterizing the water networks properly through a theoretical understanding; and managing the water networks properly in practice. The author presenting a debriefing on behalf of the group. Water Diplomacy Workshop MIT and Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA June 22-26, 2015 What I Learned I discovered that the concept of water diplomacy framework is complex in theory and application. The workshop also brought home to me the difference between the water diplomacy framework and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) as well as the need for a science and policy interface in water resources management. To bring relevant stakeholders on board and aid informed decision making processes, joint fact- finding is critical to the water diplomacy framework. I found the role-plays extremely informative and thought-provoking. They taught me that there is a need for strong cooperation between national and local governments; that least-priority areas can be used prudently to achieve prioritized positions; negotiations that emphasize value-creation can still be successful and create a win-win situation and must include mediation for informal problem solving. Participants engaged in role play duing the workshop. “Knowledge of negotiation strategies will come handy during bilateral water meetings/discussions, regional forums and international negotiations. The dispute settlement mechanisms can be used to address current water issues at the local government levels.” How Will I Use These Lessons? l My experiences from the workshop will help me provide informed legal advice to the Environment Services Division, Climate Change Division and Water Resources Management Division. l My knowledge of negotiation strategies will come handy during bilateral water meetings/discussions, regional forums and international negotiations. The dispute settlement mechanisms can be used to address current water issues at the local government levels. l The workshop materials – including my experiences from the workshop – can be shared with my colleagues to acquaint them with the water diplomacy framework. l I plan to conduct training on the water diplomacy framework, not only within office but also for the relevant implementing agencies. l The Legal Services of the National Environment Commission Secretariat carries out sensitization and outreach programs on environmental laws at local, regional and national levels; we can include the water diplomacy framework components in these programs.