The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74927

Tina Dodge, Charla Guiwits, and Paul Bollinger. Oregon State University, 518 NW 28th St., Corvallis, OR 97330, 541-753-4456, dodgeti@hotmail.com

Our research has shown that there are many human rights issues, beliefs, and practices surrounding the “lifeblood” of the world: water. Some struggle on a daily basis to secure a small drop of water, others engage in political arguments over its means, while others have more than needed. Yet water, is a powerful entity. Water is the most essential nutrient and primary body fluid for human life and other biological processes. In areas where clean water is a scarcity, it becomes more than a survival and sustenance issue, but rather promotes conflict and is used as a political tool. Progress has increased access and water quality, but when international disputes between neighboring countries arise, the conflict is left up to those countries to resolve. Our case study review includes global regions: South America and its economic dependencies dilemma, Middle East water scarcity and political struggles, and the Asian environmental crisis. The path of water is not easily controlled as it flows with no regard for borders, land disputes, or economic disparities. Our analysis has shown that in times of conflict water can be used as a bargaining chip or for leverage, and has become a political and military weapon in the hands of those assuming control of this free flowing entity.

Learning Objectives:

• Have a greater understanding of the global manipulation of water.
• Understand how water is used as a political, economic, military, and developmental tool.
• Learn from case examples the importance of water as a health and human rights issue.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.