Introduction to Transboundary Aquifers

What is/are Transboundary Aquifers?

Transboundary Aquifers - As part of the analysis pertaining to the problem of legal regulation of groundwater extraction from transboundary aquifers and complexes, it is proposed to consider this aspect on the example of Russia. ^[1] Apart from some notable exceptions, the sound governance of transboundary aquifers (coupled or uncoupled to rivers) is seriously lacking in most regions of the world, despite a highly successful 20-year ISARM initiative The distinction between regions of water abundance (as in the Haute Savoie–Geneva aquifers) and those of water scarcity (<1000 m3/an/capita), as in the Rum-Saq aquifer, ought to be a driver for the urgency in adopting sound governance In the latter regions, however, such an urgent response faces too many hurdles (institutional, financial, and weak capacity) Climate change, one of the global megatrends (among demography, economic shift, resources stress, urbanization, and novel viruses such as COVID-19), will exacerbate the problem in the coming decade and beyond This chapter provides an critical perspective on the status of this subsurface asset in 570 or so, domestic and transboundary aquifers of the world (self-identified by country experts), while taking full account of their interconnections, or not, with surface waters This critical perspective will be grounded in two important factors, first the hiatus in adoption by countries of the evolving international water law and guidance on transboundary aquifers (the Draft Articles, which provide legal pathways for collaboration or eventually dispute resolution), and second the framework of the sustainable development goals (SDG) 6 (clean water and sanitation), which countries have committed themselves to with reference to transboundary waters The critical perspective finds that despite the lack of momentum in adopting formal global norms, sporadic cooperation and collaboration is continuing and is well received, when delivered methodically through the support of international agencies The findings of the critical perspective are that even if water-related SDGs will have been achieved across the world, it would contribute precious little to meaningful enhancement of governance of transboundary aquifers, unless they have been explicitly addressed in terms that are tangible to decision makers, such as the impact of disregarding them on the current or future national GDP The onset of a “new socioeconomic normal” in the aftermath of COVID-19 could further defer meaningful progress, taking the example of Latin America, where a 5% decline has been forecast for 2020 With such declines in the finances of governments, attention to shared aquifer resources may well decline even further Urgent wise reaction to this possibility must be a priority for the professional science-policy community. ^[2] Transboundary aquifers (TBAs) or internationally shared aquifers have performed a decisive part in efficiently utilizing water supply especially for drinking and irrigation. ^[3] International law has formulated several legal instruments to govern the shared transboundary resources, laws on transboundary aquifers being one. ^[4] The assessment of transboundary aquifers is essential for the development of groundwater management strategies and the sustainable use of groundwater resources. ^[5] However, some are specifically designed to address transboundary aquifers and will be used to inform binational discussions regarding prioritization of future aquifer investigations along the US-Mexico border. ^[6] Management of transboundary aquifers is a vexing water resources challenge, especially when the aquifers are overexploited. ^[7] International transboundary aquifers provide important water supplies to over 150 countries. ^[8] 1 The number of transboundary aquifers that have been mapped so far and the people living in the respective recharge areas is even higher. ^[9] Application of the FREEWAT platform to real-world case studies is presented for targeting management of coastal aquifers, ground- and surface-water interaction, climate change impacts, management of transboundary aquifers, rural water management and protection of groundwater-dependent ecosystems. ^[10] The author recommends the UN Draft Articles on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers (2008) as a basis for such an agreement. ^[11] This text deals with water resources existing in transboundary aquifers. ^[12]