Successes in the international cooperation in the Rhine catchment area

The regime to control the water quality of the river Rhine is widely rated as successful. This article reviews the history of the riparian cooperation. This cooperation was promoted by the policies of the downstream Dutch government, the activities of NGOs, the efforts of upstream riparian states, and by the activities of the International Rhine Commission. The gradual improvement of the water quality also assisted in the progressive regime development. The case of the river Rhine illuminates the importance of an appealing strategic vision to promote international river catchment management. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.