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BACKGROUND
In June 2000, in recognition of the importance of transboundary aquifer systems as a source of freshwater in certain regions of the world, particularly those located in arid and semi-arid zones, the 14th Session of the Intergovernmental Council of UNESCO's International Hydrological Programme (IHP) adopted Resolution N° XIV-12. By this Resolution, the Council decided to launch an initiative, entitled the Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management programme (ISARM), to promote studies into transboundary aquifers. Close cooperation with the ISARM Programme was also established with IAH, UNECE, OAS, UNESCWA, FAO as well as other regional and international institutions. The first phase of the programme was dedicated to compiling a global inventory of transboundary aquifers.
In December 2008, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the Resolution (A/RES/63/124) on the ‘Law of Transboundary Aquifers'. Through this resolution the UNGA encourages aquifer states to make appropriate bilateral or regional arrangements for the proper management of their transboundary aquifers, taking into account the provisions contained in the draft articles. The draft articles were prepared by the United Nations International Law Commission (UNILC) with technical support of UNESCO-IHP. Considering the importance of the UNGA Resolution and capitalizing on the growing body of inter-state experience related to the management and development of transboundary aquifers, the International Conference on Transboundary Aquifers: Challenges and new directions, aims to provide a platform for discussion to consider ways to promote cooperation amongst States in the management and development of transboundary aquifers. This Conference will also consider the various steps to be taken to achieve this - from the adoption of such policies, to their implementation into practical, operational actions.
The debates taking place during the Conference are expected to guide stakeholders in the management of ‘invisible' but essential groundwater resources and to meet the expectations of groundwater resources users in terms of water security.
This event marks the end of the first phase of the ISARM Programme and the start of the second. It aims to consider the challenges and new directions required for the sustainable development and management of transboundary aquifers.