The document outlines a project aimed at developing a GIS-based communication technology platform for sustainable management of transboundary water resources among Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, and the Kaliningrad region. Key outputs include a GIS database with multiple layers and maps, improved communication between water management experts, and the establishment of closer cooperation between EU and non-EU countries. Future activities will rely on this platform for planning and managing water resources, with potential funding applications for further development.

1. www.gwpcee.org
Development of GIS Based Communication
Technology Platform for the Sustainable
Management of Transboundary Water
Resources in Lithuania, Poland, Belarus and
Kaliningrad Region
Edvinas Stonevičius, GWP Lithuania

2. IDMP CEE Final Workshop; 21-22 April, 2015, Bucharest, RomaniaApril 20152 www.gwpcee.org
• The activities were part of two projects:
• Development of GIS communication technology platform and database: Output 4 of
GWPCEE Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP). Global Water Partnership is
financing compilation of GIS maps through the IDMP.
• SIWI project “Building a framework for collective action in the management of the
transboundary waters in Kaliningrad (Russia), Lithuania, and Poland (Baltic sea region).
• GWP Lithuania (activity leader), GWP Poland, governmental and
scientific institutions and NGO‘s from LT, PL, BY and RU were
partners in this activity
Basic information

3. IDMP CEE Final Workshop; 21-22 April, 2015, Bucharest, RomaniaApril 20153 www.gwpcee.org
• Two EU and two non-EU countries share the catchments of Neman
and Pregloya river. So far the planning of water resources was
usually based only on national data.
• The main objective of activity was to development of GIS platform
as a tool to communicate the current situation in the region on
water resources.
• Spatial extent of activity – 2 transboundary catchments (Neman
and Pregolya) shared by 4 countries Lithuania, Poland, Belarus and
Russia (Kaliningrad Region).
Basic information

4. IDMP CEE Final Workshop; 21-22 April, 2015, Bucharest, RomaniaApril 20154 www.gwpcee.org
• On 3rd July, 2014 the workshop was held at the Faculty of
Civil and Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of
Life Sciences in Poland. 14 participants from GWP-LT, GWP-
PL, Russia and Belarus.
• Workshop of water management and GIS experts in Ryn,
Poland, 4-7 November 2014. 17 participants from GWP-LT,
GWP-PL, Russia and Belarus.
• Constant communication and data sharing between
partners via skype and email.
• Three ArcGIS licenses were purchased for participating
countries.
Implementation process

5. IDMP CEE Final Workshop; 21-22 April, 2015, Bucharest, RomaniaApril 20155 www.gwpcee.org
• Final outputs of the Kaliningrad project compiled and submitted to
the project stakeholders and GWP CEE:
• GIS database consisting of 12 transboundary GIS layers and more than 100
attribute fields;
• 30 GIS maps of surface and groundwater, human pressures and impacts,
maps of climate change, chemical and ecological status of water bodies
were created;
• Interactive map and GIS database were developed;
• Video film on GIS mapping and transboundary cooperation produced in EN
and RU languages and uploaded on YouTube.
• More information on activity results in GWP Lithuania website
(http://vandensnamai.eu)
Final outputs

6. IDMP CEE Final Workshop; 21-22 April, 2015, Bucharest, RomaniaApril 20156 www.gwpcee.org
• The establishment of new links and closer communication
between water management and GIS experts from EU (LT,
PL) and non-EU (BY, RU).
• Interactive GIS map is a good tool to improve the
communication between experts from different countries or
different municipalities and to aid in planning process. For
example, it may be used in development of regional drought
management plans.
• Video film on GIS mapping and transboundary cooperation
is a tool to communicate the contents of GIS database for
end-users in a clear and understandable way.
Added value

7. IDMP CEE Final Workshop; 21-22 April, 2015, Bucharest, RomaniaApril 20157 www.gwpcee.org
• The GIS database was used in preparation of second River
basin district management plans. In first management plans
the transboundary data was minimal.
• It is clear that communication through GIS platform will be
necessary for future activities related to Water-Energy-
Food-Climate Nexus.
• SIWI (Stockholm International Water Institute) together
with partners (including Lithuanian Energy Institute) applied
for funding from INTERREG. The GIS platform may be used
in the upcoming project, if the application will be successful.
Follow up

8. IDMP CEE Final Workshop; 21-22 April, 2015, Bucharest, RomaniaApril 20158 www.gwpcee.org
Thank you for attention