456 Journal of the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies N. 5 / 2015 Recent literature on the prevention and resolution of conflict over water has highlighted the need to move from descriptive studies towards the creation of measurable indicators that measure the performance of shared water systems, monitor the process of equitable sharing and provide the mechanisms for monitoring both the current state and changes in interdependent water systems.68 They must also provide more realistic insights through field studies69 and include non-assessable variables on water resources (symbols, emotional or mythological charges and cultural values). Theoretical approaches must be counterbalanced by practical examples of water sharing at every level.70 Although there is great difficulty in measuring the performance, process and product of water sharing through quantitative and qualitative indicators, they can help us to develop the critical thresholds; articulate the interesting differences, as well as significant trends and developments; and put forward the data necessary for balanced decision-making. Useful indicators for the conflict prevention and resolution phases are the following: — Operational/administrative interdependencies for sharing water:—Number of international basins and transboundary aquifers regulated by Resolution A/RES/63/124 on the law of transboundary aquifers71 and applying to all types of transboundary aquifers. • Dependency on inflow from other river basins. • Impact on upstream water diversions and impoundments. • Upstream and downstream integrative mechanisms. • Systematic considerations of water users and uses interdependencies. • High water stress, scarcity and poverty conditions. • Basin-wide operational water planning and management. • Surface and groundwater conjunctive use. • Number of treaties and cooperative events. 68 Carius, A., Dabelko, G. D. and Wolf, A. T. op cit, p 61. 69 Gleick, P., Cain, N., Haasz, D., Henges-Jeck, C., Hunt, CKiparsky, M., Moench, M., Palaniappan, M., Srinivasan, V., Wolff, G. 2005. The World’s Water 2004–2005: The Biennial Report on Freshwater. 70 Water, a Shared Responsibility, op cit, p 386. 71 RESOLUTION A/RES/63/124 ADOPTED BY THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY. The law of transboundary aquifers. 15 January 2009. http://revista.ieee.es/index.php/ieee
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