Toward a joint management of transboundary aquifer systems

This methodological guide begins by outlining the issues and specific features of transboundary aquifer systems and the need for a more global approach based on the principles of IWRM (first part). It then describes the various tools available to improve knowledge and exploitation of these precious resources – technical, legal, organisational and economic tools, as well as training and cooperation tools – (second part). Finally, it proposes a multifaceted and progressive approach to be adopted to establish concerted, equitable and sustainable management of transboundary aquifer systems. It describes possible mechanisms for the establishment and sustainable operation of an appropriate institutional structure for the management of shared groundwater (third part).

122 pages – Published in 2011