Good Practices and Lessons Learned in Data-sharing in Transboundary Basins

Transboundary waters around the world face significant pressures due to population growth, increasing water demand and the impacts of the triple-planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Results from the third reporting exercise on SDG indicator 6.5.2 (2024) highlight a lack of relevant data and information and difficulties in data and information exchange as two of the three top challenges faced by countries in cooperating on transboundary waters.

These challenges highlight the need to develop joint data- and information sharing processes, which are fundamental to foster adaptation and for efficient cooperation, enhanced resilience and emergency preparedness. To address the challenges, the publication Good Practices and Lessons Learned in Data-sharing in Transboundary Basins was developed with the leadership of Finland and Senegal as co-chairs of the Working Group on Monitoring and Assessment, under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention).

The report presents 43 lessons learned supported by 78 case studies from around the world. It builds on real-life examples, illustrating different ways in which monitoring programmes and data-sharing processes can be implemented between riparian countries. As such, it complements existing guidance, like the Updated Strategies on Monitoring and Assessment of Transboundary Rivers, Lakes and Groundwaters (2023).

The key messages in the report highlight different aspects crucial to the development of data- and information-sharing processes, such as the need to acquire timely, targeted, sufficient, valid and reliable data and build common understanding of the functioning of the basin as well as the importance of political will, involvement of relevant stakeholders and collaboration across different levels and disciplines. The messages also specify the importance of groundwater data and information for effective water management and the need to develop transboundary early warning mechanisms.