This document summarizes activities related to assessing and managing transboundary aquifers. It discusses that many aquifers cross political borders and need assessment to understand potential cross-boundary issues. The ISARM program leads efforts to improve understanding of transboundary aquifer issues. Assessments involve indicator-based analysis, developing information management systems, and establishing consultative bodies for countries to facilitate cooperation. The goal is to eliminate potential conflict and improve groundwater management and benefits.

1. Neno Kukuric - IGRAC
Almaty - July 2014
The framework, the content and the objectives

2. What is a Transboundary Aquifer?
 Transboundary aquifer or transboundary aquifer system means,
respectively, an aquifer or aquifer system, parts of which are situated in
different States;

3. Why do we need a TBA assessment?
 The fact: many aquifers cross the political borders
 Potential cross-boundary problems: changes in
groundwater flow, levels, volumes (quantity) and
dissolved
substances (quality).
 Actions: TBA assessment,
monitoring and appropriate
management.
 Benefits: eliminating potential
sources of conflict and improving
the overall benefit from
groundwater.

4. ISARM Programme
 The worldwide ISARM (Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources
Management) Initiative is an UNESCO led multi-agency effort aimed at
improving the understanding of hydrogeological, socio-economic, legal,
institutional and environmental issues related to the management of
transboundary aquifers.
 ISARM operates as an umbrella programme, (co)organising various TBA-related
activities around the world.

5. Global Overview of ISARM activities

6. TBAs of the World

7. ISARM Portal
www.isarm.org

8. UNECE TBA inventory & assessments
The UNECE Inventory 1999
The First UNECE Assessment 2007
The Second UNECE Assessment

9. TWAP
The term TWAP (Transboundary Water
Assessment Programme), includes the
Open Oceans, Large Marine
Ecosystems, River and Lake Basins,
and Aquifers with transboundary
drainage basins or common borders.
The water-related ecosystems
associated with these waters are
considered integral parts of the
systems.

10. TWAP Groundwater objectives
1. Provide a description of the present
conditions and expected trends of
Transboundary Aquifers (TBAs) and
Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
groundwater systems, to enable the GEF
IW Focal Area to determine priority
aquifers/regions for resources
allocation.
2. Bring to the global attention the
potentialities and the vulnerability of
transboundary aquifer systems, and
catalyze actions.

12. TWAP Project assessment levels
• Level 1: global baseline
assessment
• Level 2: in-depth assessments
in pilot TBAs (case studies)
 Reduced set of indicators
 Covering 166 TBAs and 43
SIDS
 Funded by the GEF and
partner co-financing
contributions
 Full set of indicators
 Applied in three selected TBAs: Central
America (Trifinio), Central Asia
(Pretashkent), Southern Africa (Stampriet)
 Funded by SDC

13. Groundwater Resources Governance in Transboundary
Aquifers - SDC
Objectives:
• improve the knowledge and recognition of the importance
and vulnerability of transboundary groundwater resources,
• establish cross-border dialogue and cooperation
• develop shared management tools; and
• facilitate governance reforms focused on improving
livelihoods, economic development and environmental
sustainability.

14. Project design & activities
Component 1:
Building recognition of the
shared nature of the resource,
and mutual trust through an
assessment based on joint fact
finding and science based
diagnostics
In depth assessment of the
transboundary aquifer
Component 2:
Reaching consensus on
transboundary governance
mechanisms for transboundary
groundwater management
Establishment of multi country
consultation bodyawareness of
countries on the UNGA
Resolution on the Law of
Transboundary Aquifers

15. Output 1.1 – Indicator based assessment
Activities:
• 1.1.1. Elaboration of aquifer specific methodology
– Review of indicators and final decision on adopted set of indicators
– Definition of data collection needs, and methodology for the aquifer
characterization and diagnostic analysis, including questionnaires
– Definition of new surveys (geophysical, remote sensing, etc.) possibly needed
to fill information gaps
• 1.1.2 Assessment kick-off workshop
– To present a preliminary estimate of current state of data availability, quality,
gaps, required harmonization, formatting, etc..
– To agree on final set of indicators for the assessment, and the Aquifer
Characterization and Diagnostic methodology
– To define and adopt Questionnaires, and possible plan of new surveys

16. Output 1.1 – Indicator based assessment, cont.
Activities:
• 1.1.3 Data and information collection and processing
– Collection and processing of existing data and information: climate; geology;
hydrogeology; environmental (quality/quantity); socio-economic ; regulations
and laws, policies and practices including monitoring.
– Fill data gaps - possible small field-surveys in the aquifer area
• Technical seminar
– To start the project data collection and processing activities and provide
training in the project methodology
• Technical review meeting
– Evaluate the progress of data gathering activities, and level of data
harmonization

17. Output 1.1 – Indicator based assessment, cont.
• 1.1.4 Carry out the assessment
– In depth assessment of transboundary aquifer based on collected information,
consisting of:
a. Development of the conceptual model of the aquifer and characterization
of aquifer properties
b. Visualization of the aquifer through (i) geological map, (ii) cross sections,
(iii) block diagram
c. Application of indicators, including governance, socio-economic, and legal
issues (whole aquifer, national segments)
d. Visualization of indicator distribution through thematic maps (and cross
sections, if needed)
e. To assess groundwater resources and potential issues of TB concern based
on agreed indicators
• 1.1.5 Proposal for a harmonized monitoring network
– Agreement between countries on the design of a harmonized monitoring
network based on results from assessment

18. Output 1.2 – Information Management System
Activities
• 1.2.1 System design
– Software requirement specifications including functional design, reference
system, data formats and processing tools, presentation/graphics, etc
• 1.2.2 System development & testing
• 1.2.3 Data harmonization, processing and input
– Process and harmonize data at regional/aquifer level, prepare input
information and calculate indicators, upload data & info into the aquifer
information system
• 1.2.4 Training/ technical capacity building
– Capacity building on data collection, processing (GIS) and use of the system
and Groundwater management.

19. Output 2.1 – Establishment of Multi-Country
Consultative Body (CB)
Consultative body with the mandate to facilitate information exchange among
aquifer countries on aquifer resources management, established and operational
Activities 2.1.1
• Review existing institutions/mechanisms & their mandate
• Analyze elements for technical and organizational synergy
• Define the operational manual
• Capacity assessment and development

20. Output 2.2 – Enhanced awareness on the UNGA
Resolution on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers
Activities
• 2.2.1. Training on International Law related to TBAs
– Conduct training workshop on International Law related to TBAs within the
context of the multi-country consultative body - with the objective to inform
Governments and regional mechanisms on the International Law Instruments
related to TBAs and opportunities for their implementation
2.2.2 Capacity Building activities

21. Outlook to Phase 2 (post 2015)
• Support cooperation mechanisms among countries sharing
the aquifers and facilitate priority actions and policy reforms
– Multi-country consultative body established.
– Implement Monitoring Programme & agree on environmental quality
targets
– Cooperation on priority actions and policy reforms
– Partnership Conferences to consolidate international support

22. Activity January February March April May June July August Sept October November December
1 Project coordination
2 Communication, public awareness
3 Recruitment of project coordinator
4 Recruitment of national experts
5 Elaboration aquifer specific methodology and indicators
6 Project team meetings and training
7 Data source identification
8 Preliminary data collection
9 Data collection national experts
10 Data processing
11 Data harmonization
12 Preparation of six monthly project report
13 IMS design
14 IMS development and testing
15 Data harmonization and processing
16 Data input
17 Training/technical capacity building
18 Reports by national experts and regional coordinator
19 Annual project report
20 Country mission
21 Invitation of stakeholders
22 Regional offices - facilitation of political good will
23 Sessions with Governemnt representatives
24 Workshops
25 International Law on Transboundary Aquifers
Project activities in 2014

23. 23
Thank you