Transboundary Groundwater, Peace and Security: Opportunities and challenges in Central America

As water can act as a threat multiplier as well as enhance cooperation, this paper looks at opportunities and challenges regarding peace, water security and transboundary aquifer management in Central America. Based on the concept of a hydro-security complex, the paper highlights and develops the water-peace nexus in the region. Central America, a region characterized by conflicts, has several transboundary water bodies, be it groundwater or surface water. The joint management of transboundary aquifers, as well as other transboundary resources, lies often in a difficult balance of different interests and uses among the relevant riparian actors. This paper offers a better understanding of the nexus between peace, water security and transboundary aquifers in a region often understudied. A thorough analysis of the different legislative, institutional and negotiation characteristics of the region over transboundary aquifers management is another important outcome of the research. Finally, the paper builds on a new facet of water security, with the inclusion of the regional context and a deeper understanding of the hydro-political complex theory