Second Assessment of Transboundary Rivers, Lakes and Groundwaters

**Second Assessment of Transboundary Rivers, Lakes and Groundwaters: A Vital Resource for Sustainable Water Management** This comprehensive paperback, published by the United Nations in 2011, represents a crucial resource for policymakers, environmental scientists, and anyone involved in the sustainable management of transboundary water resources. The "Second Assessment of Transboundary Rivers, Lakes and Groundwaters" provides an in-depth analysis of the state of shared water resources across Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. It's more than just a report; it's a call to action, designed to inform and empower decision-making at all levels national, transboundary, and regional. **Why is this Assessment so Important?** Transboundary water resources are vital for drinking water, agriculture, industry, and ecosystem health. However, they are also vulnerable to pollution, over-extraction, and the impacts of climate change. Effective management requires international cooperation and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved. This assessment fulfills this need. **A Deep Dive into Shared Waters:** This report goes beyond a simple overview. It presents detailed assessments of over 150 transboundary rivers, 40 lakes, and approximately 200 transboundary groundwater occurrences. This vast scope makes it one of the most thorough compilations of data and analysis available on this critical topic. The assessment was carried out in close collaboration with national environment and water administrations in the European and Asian parts of the UNECE region, ensuring the data and analysis are relevant and reflective of local realities. **Focus on Countries in Transition:** The report pays particular attention to countries with economies in transition, recognizing that these nations often face the greatest challenges in managing their water resources sustainably. It highlights specific issues and provides recommendations tailored to their unique circumstances. **A Key Tool for Implementation of the Water Convention:** The "Second Assessment" is explicitly designed to facilitate continuous bilateral and multilateral cooperation under the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention). It provides the scientific and technical basis for countries to work together to protect and sustainably manage their shared water resources, promoting peace and stability. **More Than Just Data:** While the report includes extensive data and statistics, it also offers insights into the underlying causes of water-related problems and potential solutions. It explores issues such as: * Water quality monitoring and assessment * The impact of pollution from industry and agriculture * The effects of climate change on water availability * The importance of integrated water resources management * The role of international cooperation in achieving sustainable water use **The Legacy of the UNECE Water Convention:** The UNECE Water Convention has proven to be a crucial instrument to promote cooperation on transboundary waters. This Second Assessment continues the efforts of the Convention and its participants in promoting and enabling sustainable practices and cooperation. **Who Should Read This Book?** This book is an essential resource for: * Policymakers responsible for water management * Environmental scientists and researchers * Water resource managers * International organizations working on water issues * Students and academics studying environmental science or international relations * Anyone interested in the sustainable management of our planet's precious water resources. **Empower yourself with the knowledge to make a difference. Order your copy of the "Second Assessment of Transboundary Rivers, Lakes and Groundwaters" today and contribute to a more sustainable future.**