Lessons from African and Asian Transboundary River and Lake Basin Organisations Accessing Climate Funds

Transboundary waters include aquifers, lakes, and river basins that span two or more countries, accounting for 60 % of the world’s freshwater flows. Globally, 153 UN Member States have territories within at least one of the 313 transboundary river and lake basins or one of the 468 shared aquifer systems. Activities in one country often affect neighbouring nations. Overuse or pollution of shared waters disrupts critical ecosystems, while unilateral actions, such as dam construction, can reduce downstream water flow. In a time of growing water scarcity, poorly managed transboundary water resources can heighten tensions, potentially leading to social unrest or conflict.

To address these challenges, River Basin Organizations (RBOs) and Lake Basin Organizations (LBOs) play a crucial role in fostering transboundary water cooperation in many parts of the world. These organisations vary significantly in their structure, scope, and scale, reflecting the diverse contexts in which they operate. As pressures from climate change and growing populations intensify, many RBOs and LBOs are increasingly turning to climate financing to support their efforts. 

This project examines the challenges RBOs and LBOs face in securing and managing climate funds, including exploring GCF accreditation process drawing insights from six case studies in Africa and Asia. The findings are based on interviews and enriched through desk research.