Climate Resilient Integrated Water Resource and Coastal Management

The goal of the Signature Programme, Climate Resilient Integrated Water Resource and Coastal Management, is to promote integrated, ecosystem-based, climate resilient management of the world's major freshwater and marine transboundary waters systems through improved water and ocean governance.

UNDP-GEF's capacity in Water and Ocean Governance is demonstrated through on-going work with over 100 countries to support the implementation of almost 30 active projects representing an investment of over USD 700 million in achieving multiple development benefits in these countries. Roughly USD 135 million of this sum is grant financing from the various funds administered by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). A broad network of UNDP colleagues around the world support countries with their expertise, knowledge and experience.

More information on relevant UNDP supported programmes can be obtained through the following links:

· Sustainable Management of Oceans in a Changing Climate

· UNDP Environment & Energy, Water and Ocean Governance Page

  • Sustainable Management of Oceans in a Changing Climate

    The world's Large Marine Ecosystems (LME) produce about 80% of the annual world marine fisheries catch and contribute an estimated USD12.6 trillion/year in goods and services to the world economy. These goods and services are under threat from overfishing, pollution, habitat loss, invasive species and climate change. UNDP-GEF has been applying the LME approach to regional ocean governance since 1995 and has been involved in 13 of the 21 LMES supported by the GEF.

    UNDP-GEF's Sustainable Ocean Management Programme presently assists groups of countries sharing 1 0 of the world's most important LMEs in applying integrated, ecosystem-based, climate resilient approaches to sustaining LME ecosystem services. Through transboundary diagnostic assessments and support to the development and implementation of LME action programmes, the programme helps to put in place LME governance regimes to transform markets and create sustainable productive use patterns of coastal and ocean resources.

    As of June 2012, 81 countries are implementing 11 projects with a total value of USD 365 million. USD 64 million is grant funding from the GEF/ LDCF/SCCF/SPA Trust Funds.

  • Protection of Transboundary Surface and Groundwaters

    Globally there are 263 watersheds that cross the political boundaries of two or more countries; these watersheds represent about one half of the earth's land surface and 40% of global population, underscoring the need for multi-country cooperation in the management of shared waters including rivers, lakes and aquifers. These shared water systems are under threat from pollution, inefficient water use, habitat loss and climate change and can become the source of local and regional conflicts. UNDP-GEF's Shared Waters programme assists groups of countries sharing such waterbodies to identify priorities and agree upon regional and national governance reforms to promote integrated, ecosystem-based, climate resilient approaches to shared water resources management.

    UNDP has been involved as a GEF Agency in a total of 19 transboundary river (1 0), lake (7) and aquifer (2) projects and has cumulatively programmed USD 176 million of GEF funding towards managing transboundary surface and groundwaters.