Support to the programme of work of the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (1992) creates a framework for regional transboundary water cooperation. UNECE Water Convention aims to protect and ensure the quantity, quality and sustainable use of transboundary water resources by facilitating cooperation. The Convention reduces conflicts and enhances security. It prevents and reduces pollution with transboundary impact. Initially negotiated as a regional instrument, it turned into a universally available legal framework for transboundary water cooperation, following the entry into force of amendments in 2013, opening it to all UN Member States. Tshad's accession to the Convention occurred in February 2018 and several other ODA eligible countries are interested in ratifying the Convention. Finland has an active role in global transboundary cooperation. Finland has co-operated with the UNECE Water Convention Secretariat on policy issues and the MFA is currently financing UNECE water projects in Central Asia. Finland (SYKE) is represented in the Water Convention Bureau as well as the most important working groups. The proposed support to the UNECE Water Convention Programme of work for 2016-18 will be directed to the areas of work with Finland as a lead party. These include the opening of the Convention, promotion and partnerships and water-food-energy-ecosystems -nexus in transboundary basins. It is proposed that the MFA will support the UNECE Water Convention Programme of work for 2016-18 with the amount of 100 000 euro in 2018.