Advancing sustainable management of transboundary groundwater

Priorities for Advancing Sustainable Management of Transboundary Waters

Topic 1: Informed Decision Making in Transboundary Water Cooperation (TBWC)

• Conduct scientific assessments at the national then at the transboundary level to support decision-making.
• Assess existing legal frameworks and conventions related to shared aquifers and evaluate enforcement of prior agreements and treaties.
• Establish a national water information system to manage shared aquifers.
• Utilize tools and mechanisms provided by Water Conventions to support transboundary decision-making.

Topic 2: Climate Change Resilience in Transboundary Contexts

• Review and update national adaptation policies and strategies for climate resilience.
• Promote stakeholder participation to raise awareness and encourage water-saving practices.
• Modify irrigation patterns to adapt to changing climate conditions and use non-conventional water resources and implement water harvesting techniques
• Plan based on climate change impact models on groundwater and apply remote sensing and other technologies to study aquifers.
• Develop joint approaches with riparian countries through collaborative projects.
• Secure international cooperation, funding, and technology transfer.

Topic 3: Overcoming Resource Constraints for Improving TBWC

• Develop a strategic action plan for transboundary waters with input from local experts.
• Consider creating an Arab fund to support studies and initiatives, backed by participating countries and donors.
• Engage with UN conventions (ex: 1992 UN Water Convention) to facilitate access to funding and technical assistance.
• Standardize methodologies across borders and Involve the private sector using principles like “polluter pays.”

Topic 4: Enhancing National Policies, Management, and Institutions to Support TBWC

• Align national laws and regulations with UN Conventions (ex: 1997 UN Watercourses Convention).
• Empower national institutions (ministries, agencies) financially and technically.
• Establish national committees to facilitate TBWC discussions.
• Train personnel in negotiation, governance, and transboundary water management.
• Create national research units focused on transboundary resource management and innovation.
• Engage civil society and the private sector to enhance transparency and public support.
• Align with regional programs and initiatives and attract international supporters and donors.

Topic 5: Intersectoral Cooperation for Better Use of Transboundary Resources

• Foster cooperation between sectors like agriculture, meteorology, and environment to maintain water quality and optimize use.
• Develop and implement action plans to address illegal wells and enforce water.
• Standardize water data collection and promote information exchange.
• Establish committees to oversee monitoring and ensure compliance.