The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention), hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), requires Parties to prevent, control and reduce transboundary impact, use transboundary waters in a reasonable and equitable way, and cooperate to ensure their sustainable management. Parties bordering the same transboundary waters have to cooperate by entering into specific agreements and establishing joint bodies. As a global framework agreement, the Convention does not replace bilateral and multilateral agreements for specific basins or aquifers; instead, it fosters their establishment and implementation, as well as their further development.

In 2015, Parties introduced a reporting mechanism to monitor and assess progress in the implementation of the Convention. The outcomes of the third reporting exercise, which took place in 2023–2024, are presented in this synthesis report. The report details the significant results achieved by the Parties to the Convention in implementing transboundary water cooperation, but also identifies challenges in implementation and provides strategic recommendations on possible actions to strengthen implementation of the Convention and transboundary water cooperation. The report aims to contribute to effective implementation of the Convention and to improved transboundary water cooperation worldwide.

ECE /MP.WAT/77