First Assessment of Transboundary Rivers Lakes and Groundwaters

First Assessment of Transboundary Rivers, Lakes and Groundwaters Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

The Water Convention • Protection of transboundary waters by preventing, controlling and reducing transboundary impacts • Promotion of cooperation • Sustainable management • Reasonable and equitable use conflict prevention • Conservation and restoration of ecosystems Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

140 rivers 30 lakes 70 aquifers >150 experts 40 countries Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Objectives • Highlight achievements in IWRM at transboundary level • Shed light on effectiveness of measures • Develop knowledge and understanding for further action • Identify situations of water crisis • Provide guidance for strategic investments • Serve as point of reference for Governments, IGOs, NGOs to improve management and status of waters Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Structure - Contents Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Source of information Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Lake Pyhäjärvi Lake Emosson Lakes and reservoirs Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes Narva reservoir Iron Gates

Assessment of transboundary groundwaters in Caucasus and Central Asia Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Assessment of transboundary groundwaters in South-Eastern Europe Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Major findings Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Major findings • Action to decrease water pollution from point sources (municipal sewage treatment; old industrial installations) is of primary importance in basins in EECCA and SEE • Pollution from diffuse sources (e. g. agriculture, urban areas) is of high importance for action in basins in Western and Central Europe Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Major findings • The effects of climate change became visible in almost all of the analysed river basins • Water sharing among countries in the same basin is often a major water-quantity issue, and continues to cause upstream-downstream conflicts Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Major findings • In transboundary aquifers, increasing abstraction for agricultural purposes and drinking water supply is often a major water-quantity issue, and in some cases leads to overuse • Eutrophication is the worst phenomenon affecting transboundary lakes. It is increasing constantly except in areas where wastewater treatment has been effectively implemented and where small improvements are visible Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Major findings • The contamination of drinking water supplies is significant in EECCA and SEE, and causes waterrelated diseases Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Major findings • Plans for integrated water resources management still need to be developed for almost all basins • Proper attention should be devoted to land-use planning and the joint management of surface waters and groundwaters Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

More information http: //www. unece. org/env/water/pu blications/pub 76. htm Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes