The GGRETA project is implemented by the UNESCO-IHP within the framework of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) “Global Programme Water Initiatives (GPWI) – Water Diplomacy” activities. The project seeks to strengthen regional stability, cooperation and peace through the establishment of cooperative frameworks for transboundary groundwater governance in River Basin Organisations (RBOs), Regional Commissions (RCs) and selected aquifers systems in Africa, Central America and Central Asia.
Background
Groundwater covers a significant part of the world's water demand, particularly in areas with a relatively dry climate. The utilisation of the resources in transboundary aquifers is continuing and expanding, however, at the same time, the institutional effectiveness of the governance of transboundary aquifers is impaired by the institutional design of water resources, which has primarily focused on surface waters. As a result, groundwater resource governance regimes lack data, information, adequate management and governance at national and regional levels. There is therefore a need to create qualified technical capacity among all stakeholder groups worldwide to develop and implement sound policies. In order to help countries to reach the status of good governance of groundwater resources in transboundary aquifers, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has provided financial support to UNESCO-IHP for the implementation of the “Governance of Groundwater Resources in Transboundary Aquifers” (GGRETA) project.
Objective
The overall objective of GGRETA Phase 3 is to strengthen regional stability, cooperation and peace through the establishment of cooperative frameworks for transboundary groundwater governance in River Basin Organisations (RBOs), Regional Commissions (RCs) and selected aquifers systems in Africa, Central America and Central Asia.
Key Approach and Work Packages
1. Establishment of institutional and technical capacity on groundwater governance in RBOs, RCs and selected aquifers systems, in Africa, Central America and Central Asia
This line of work will strengthen the institutional capacity of selected RBOs and RCs on transboundary aquifers to deliver statutory mandates. The second activity will focus on strengthening technical, knowledge and information management capacity, and make hydrological information platforms publicly accessible. The third activity focuses on enhancing public-private dialogue about financing/resource mobilisation.
2. Consolidation of regional cooperation through investments on aquifer commissions, partnerships, and networks, aiming at setting the base for transboundary aquifers regional strategies (special focus in Africa)
3. Development of evidence-based and decision-making capacity on transboundary groundwater resources quality protection and monitoring
This work package will improve the capacity of local stakeholders, national and regional experts, and officials in the utilisation of evidence for transboundary groundwater resources quality protection and monitoring.
4. Improvement of transboundary aquifers and shared groundwater resources diplomacy
This line of action will assess the capacity gaps in groundwater and transboundary aquifers and priority needs in higher education. A second activity will focus on training seminars on legal and institutional frameworks for transboundary water cooperation. This is aimed at transforming potential conflict into cooperation with special focus on young professionals and future water leaders. A third line of work focuses on strengthening communication and raising awareness on groundwater.