Geo3

• Conflict


  To come into disagreement or to oppose something, to fight, it is a controversy or a prolonged struggle
• Conflict and war are not the same thing. Sometimes conflict can lead to war
• Conflict Scale


  • Local
  • Regional
  • National
  • International
  • Global
• Local conflict


  • Disputes over whether a new superstore should be built on the edge of a town
• Regional conflict


  • Disputes over the siting of a regional airport
• National conflict


  • Disputes over the quality of services in one part of the country compared with another
• International conflict


  • Disputes over contested borders – as between Ukraine and Russia
• Global conflict


  • Climate change has multiple causes and effects, but there is disagreement about who should take action, what action, and how quickly
• Resources leading to conflict


  Disagreement over their control, distribution, or ownership
• Natural resources such as land, water, and minerals are crucial for the survival and development of societies, and disputes often arise when different groups or nations have competing views on how to manage and use them
• Conflicts can become serious, especially when they involve land and territory with valuable resources, leading to prolonged struggles over who has the right to exploit them
• Cultural differences and differing views on sustainability and conservation can further fuel conflicts
• International disputes can arise when one country's management of resources affects another, leading to tensions between nations
• Governments play a significant role in regulating resources and resolving conflicts, but when diplomatic efforts fail, these disagreements can escalate into physical fights or armed struggles
• Water conflict in Bolivia

  Occurred in the early 2000s and was marked by significant public unrest due to the privatisation of water resources
• Privatisation of Water


  In 1999, the Bolivian government privatised Cochabamba's water supply and sold the rights to a private company called Aguas del Tunari, a subsidiary of the TNC Bechtel, based in California, USA
• Rising Water Costs


  After the privatisation, the cost of water increased by 35%, making it unaffordable for many residents
• People had paid for their water before, but the increase meant water now cost over $20 a month. Given the average monthly income in Cochabamba was less than $100, this represented a significant portion of people's earnings
• Public Protests


  In response to the high water costs, citizens of Cochabamba began to protest. The privatisation of water was seen as a violation of their right to access a basic resource, and they were outraged by the new prices
• Clashes with Authorities


  In January 2000, massive protests took place in Cochabamba, including strikes that lasted for four days. On February 4, 2000, thousands of protesters faced off against troops and police, resulting in clashes involving tear gas. Nearly 200 protesters were arrested, with many others and police officers injured
• Further Unrest


  The protests intensified, and in April 2000, demonstrators took over the city centre, demanding that water rates be reduced. The Bolivian government declared a state of emergency in Cochabamba
• Violence and Tragic Death

  On April 8, more violent protests broke out, and an army captain fired into the crowds, killing 17-year-old Victor Hugo Daza. This tragic event fuelled further anger among the protesters
• Resolution


  On April 10, 2000, an agreement was signed by the Bolivian government to withdraw Aguas del Tunari, returning control of the water supply to the city of Cochabamba. Water prices were then restored to their pre-2000 levels
• The water conflict in Bolivia is significant as it highlighted the challenges and potential negative impacts of privatisation of essential resources, particularly for economically vulnerable populations. It also demonstrated the power of collective action and resistance against corporate exploitation
• Location of the Aral Sea


  • Continent: Asia
  • Latitude: Approximately between 40° and 45° North of the Equator
  • Oceans/Seas: Inland sea, relatively close to the Caspian Sea
  • Surrounding Countries and Compass Directions: North and east - Kazakhstan, South and west - Uzbekistan

  
• The Aral Sea, once one of the world's largest inland bodies of water, has faced significant environmental and human challenges due to water diversion projects and climate change
• The Soviet Union's decision in the 1960s to increase agriculture for economic gain led to the diversion of water from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, which feed the Aral Sea, to irrigate cotton and other crops in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This reduced the inflow of water into the sea, causing it to dry up
• Causes of the Aral Sea Drying

  • Water Diversion
  • Climate Change
• Environmental Impact


  • Shrinking Sea: The Aral Sea has shrunk to about one-third of its original size since 1960, splitting into smaller bodies of water
  • Salinity Increase: As water levels decreased, the remaining water became saltier, affecting aquatic life and the surrounding environment
  • Toxic Dust: Exposed seabed from the drying sea has created toxic dust storms, contaminating the soil and posing health risks
• Economic Impact


  • Fishing Industry Collapse: The once-thriving fishing industry in the Aral Sea collapsed due to high salinity
  • Agricultural Issues: Toxic dust and increased salinity have contaminated agricultural lands
  • Human Health: Increased salinity and toxic dust have led to respiratory issues and other health problems among the local population
• Restoration Efforts


  1. Dams: The construction of the Kok-Aral Dam has helped partially revive the North Aral Sea

  2. Planting Saxaul Plant: This plant helps stabilize the soil and reduce dust storms

  3. Encouraging the Small Aral to Grow: Efforts are being made to expand the healthier North Aral Sea
• These efforts aim to address some of the issues caused by the drying of the Aral Sea, but challenges remain due to ongoing water demand and climate change