Transboundary Aquifers

The UN/GA recently adopted Resolution 66/104 “Law of Transboundary Aquifers,” calling on the UNESCO's International Hydrological Programme (IHP) to support countries in the sustainable and equitable management of their transboundary aquifers. Furthermore, the resolution encourages UNESCO-IHP to continue its scientific and technical work on the assessment of the transboundary aquifers of the world, noting that this action is key to the peaceful sharing of groundwater resources, the strengthening of regional cooperation and the prevention of conflicts. The UN/GA also recommends that the set of 19 draft articles already annexed to the first Resolution on the topic (R. 63/124 approved in 2008) be considered by member States when negotiating future agreements or arrangements for the management of their transboundary aquifers, where appropriate.