Topic

Shared waters cooperation

Many of the world’s hydrological cycles cross different administrative and sectoral borders. These shared waters create interdependence between countries, and sub-national units, linking water security, economic development, and environmental health across regions. Cooperation can take shape at multiple scales — from local communities and basin authorities to regional institutions and national governments — and effective water management depends on aligning action across these levels.

Triple border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, divided by the rivers Iguaçu and Paraná. — Photo: Gurezende

Why shared waters are under pressure

Pressure on shared waters is increasing. Climate change is altering flows and availability, while growing demand from agriculture, energy, cities, changing demographics, and ecosystems intensifies competition. Where governance frameworks are weak, fragmented, or disconnected across scales, these pressures can strain relationships between countries and undermine the ability to manage shared risks and benefits.

How SIWI contributes

SIWI supports cooperation over shared waters by supporting governance frameworks that promote transparency, dialogue, and joint decision-making across borders and levels. We bring together governments, basin organizations, regional institutions, and other stakeholders to improve coordination between local, national, and regional actors. Through dialogue facilitation, policy engagement and knowledge exchange, SIWI helps advance approaches that address shared risks, support sustainable use, and enable long-term regional benefits.

What multi-scale cooperation enables

By strengthening transboundary water cooperation across scales, SIWI contributes to more resilient shared water systems and improved regional outcomes. Multi-scale governance helps turn interdependence into an asset, allowing countries and communities to manage shared waters in ways that support stability, sustainability, and mutual benefit.