Geographical Overview Korean Peninsula Shared between The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (N. Korea) and the Republic of Korea (S. Korea) Basin Area 23,000 km 2 Occupies 23% of S. Koreas total area unesco.org Dams in Han Basin unesco.org Why the Han Basin? Question: Is This Basin At Risk? From McKinney & Pitman Historical Conflict Korean War Began as a result of agreements made at the end of WWII Ended in cease fire, which is still in effect today Minor skirmishes have occurred intermittently ever since Recent Conflict 2009 Nuclear Weapons Test North Korea Opens Dam Flow 2010 Sinking of S. Korean Vessel Missile Attacks nytimes.com Recent Changes Dec 2011 Kim Jong-il Dies Youngest son, Kim Jong- un takes charge Very little known about Jong-un Unsure how he will handle situation nytimes.com Answer: Is This Basin At Risk? From McKinney & Pitman South Korea National Water Resource Problems Current plan has all local authorities taking orders directly from several centralized entities No communication between municipalities, and no organization to coordinate the efforts of the different central entities Since 2000, South Korea has been actively working to fix these issues. North Korea Natural Conservation Union From International Union for Conservation of Nature: The objective and mission of the Natural Conservation Union are enlightenment on environmental protection, education and the distribution of scientific knowledge, which includes work on water, atmosphere, forests, soil, marine resources, and protection of fauna and flora, and national parks. Little is known about details of any water resources management that may be taking place. Discussion Questions 1.Do you think it is possible to create an agreement over this shared resource in the current conditions? Why or why not? 2.Currently there is no shortage of water in this basin, but there have been negotiations taking place recently. What might motivate the two countries to try for an agreement now? 3.Do you think having a new leader in N. Korea will help or hurt the chances of an agreement?