Governance for Transboundary Freshwater Security

The course is Coordinated by the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and with contributions from leading organisations. 

Rationale: 
Freshwater scarcity, stress and crisis is increasing in most regions. Approximately 80% of the world’s population is already exposed to high levels of threat to water security, and approximately 1.2 billion people live in river basins where human water use has surpassed sustainable limits.

Transboundary basins account for roughly 60% of global freshwater resources, serving 2.8 billion people, or 42% of the global population. Of 192 countries, 153 share transboundary water resources. These include 310 shared rivers and lakes, and 592 transboundary aquifers. 

As water bodies cross political jurisdictions, it becomes increasingly challenging to identify commonly accepted solutions to satisfy competing uses. Therefore, cooperative transboundary solutions are crucial to obtain outcomes that are in the best interest of people and ecosystems. Governance of transboundary waters requires cooperation among stakeholders across sectors and states.

Course contents: 

Week 1: Introduction to the MOOC and Water Security

The objectives of the first week are to (a) introduce participants to the structure of the overall course, and how it will work, and (b) to introduce the topic of water security and transboundary water governance.

Week 2: International Water Law

Week 2 will introduce the basic concepts in International Water Law, including: substantive and procedural norms; regional and global agreements; principles of notification; dispute resolution; and an introduction to the role of institutions.

Week 3: Water Diplomacy and Negotiation Skills

Now that participants understand the importance of cooperating at the transboundary level, and the legal instruments available, they will learn about “water diplomacy,” theory and techniques for negotiation in week 3.

Week 4: Institutions

In week 4, participants will understand the role of institutions in transboundary freshwater security. The module will illustrate different types of institutions and how they work in the transboundary water governance context.

Week 5: Management Tools and Mechanisms

Week 5 marks a shift from transboundary governance theory, law and negotiation, to tools for transboundary water management in practice. Practical tools for transboundary water governance will be introduced such as multi-stakeholder processes, TDA/SAP, conjunctive management of surface and ground water, and the concept of Source to Sea will be discussed.

Week 6: Finance for Transboundary Water Security

In week 6 participants will learn what available financing mechanisms are currently available, how to articulate economic incentives for TBWM, and how to attract financing. This will cover practical topics including how to finance a river basin institution and private sector engagement.