text: - 172 -capabilities of watercourse States, in so far as their means of knowing of the conditions and their ability to take the necessary measures are concerned. (3) The aonditions dealt with in article 26 may result from naturA1 causes, human conduct, or a combination of the two. 21p/ ‘Zhe expression *‘natural causes or human conduct” comprehends each of these three possibilities. While States cannot prevent phenomena resulting entirely from natural causes, they can do much to prevent and mitigate harmful conditions that are consequent upon such phenomena. For example, floods may be prevented, or their severity mitigated, through the construction of reservoirs, afforestatfon, or improved range management practices. Such measures must be predicated upon as much data and information as possible concerning the hydrological and meteorological situation in the area in question. (4) The 3tet of conditions provided at the end of the article ib non-exhaustive, but includes most of the major problems that the article is intended to address. Other conditions covered by the articlJ include drainage problems and flow obstructions. Drought and desertification may not. at first glance, seem to fit in with the other problems mentioned since, unlike the othera, they are the result of the lack of water rather than the harmful effects of ft.But the effect6 of a drought, for example, may be , driously exacerbated by improper water management practices, 22p/ And States situated in regions subject to droughts and Gesertification have demonstrated their determination to co-operate with a view to control1ir.a and mitigating these problems. U/ In view of the severity 0: these problems, and of th-3 iLw For example, floods and siltation may result from deforestation coupled with heavy rains. Or a flood may be caused by earthquake damage to a dam. 22Q/ See, e.g, -r-t of -United Natins Wa&r Conferem, ~LQX.B, note 171, p. 112.
analysis: The text appears to be discussing the role of watercourse States in managing and mitigating the effects of natural disasters and environmental issues, such as floods, droughts, and siltation. It highlights the importance of data and information in taking necessary measures to prevent and mitigate these problems. The text also mentions the impact of human conduct, such as deforestation and improper water management practices, on these issues. Given the focus on environmental issues and the role of States in managing them, it is likely that the text falls under a category related to natural resources and environment.