Modes and Its Development of the Equitable and Reasonable Use of International River Water Resources
国际河流水资源公平和合理利用的模式与新发展:实证分析、比较与借鉴

International river water resources are one of the basic transboundary water resources. Their development and utilization is a hotspot in the international community.Questions regarding utilization and protection of international rivers in China were examined according to International Law and Comparative Law.As a fundamental principle in International Water Resources Law,the principle of equitable and reasonable use has been widely recognized in practices of allocation and utilization of transboundary water resources.In order to provide necessary reference on use and protection of international rivers in China as well as to assist in decision-making,this study analyzed and compared the modes and their new developments of equitable and reasonable use. The use can be generally categorized into the following two types of model:water quantity allocation and cooperative development,which can be separately named as"the primary stage" and"the middle stage"on the development and utilization of transboundary water resources. Influenced by the notion of sustainable development and International Environment Law,the principle of equitable and reasonable use entails new attributes.It is being increasingly influenced by the theory of common interest.More attention is paid to potential use of transboundary water resources as well as basic human need and ecological need.The equitable participation is becoming a new principle.Under the new circumstances,based on an integration of each international water basin,the thinking of overall situations and the mode of integrated management have to be established in order to achieve the optimal and sustainable benefits from the development and use of basin water resources.China shall carry out integrative management on the development and use of international rivers within its territory step by step.Impacts on the environment and society from each basin hydropower development plan and activity shall be evaluated before,during,and after their performance.As an upstream state,if China did not develop and use the water of an international river within its territory appropriately,it would lose the opportunity of health economic development and preserve ecological integrity of the river basin.China shall also pay close attention to the development activities in order to protect the benefits of itself as well as the whole river basin.