Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation.
As noted in Chapter 12, transboundary interactions over shared water resources are often complex and multi-faceted, and typically include both cooperative and conflictual elements. This indicator focuses in on institutions and information, which are known to play a key role in facilitating transboundary cooperation. The key word in Indicator 6.5.2 is operational, which the UN defines as having four components:
- There is a joint body or mechanism in place for transboundary management (e.g., a river-basin organization, RBO).
- There are at least annual meetings between riparian countries.
- A joint or coordinated water management plan has been established or joint objectives have been set.
- At least annual exchanges of data and information take place.
