The water systems of the world - aquifers, lakes,
rivers, large marine ecosystems, and open
ocean - support the socioeconomic
development and wellbeing of the world's
population. Many of these systems are shared
by two or more nations and these
transboundary resources are interlinked by a
complex web of environmental, political,
economic and security interdependencies. The
Global Environment Facility International
Waters focal area is enabling the
Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme
(GEF TWAP) to provide the first global-scale
assessment and improve knowledge for
informed decision-making, raise awareness
and foster cooperation among all stakeholders.