UNESCO International Conference on Transboundary Aquifers: Challenges and New Directions

6–8 December 2010, Paris • UNESCO-IHP’s ISARM (Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management) programme is organizing an International Conference on Transboundary Aquifers, co-convened with IAH and UNEP, to be held on 6–8 December 2010 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris: ISARM2010.

The Conference will provide the opportunity to present an update of the world inventory of transboundary aquifers.

ISARM2010 will bring together leading international transboundary aquifer management experts to discuss new concepts, approaches and technologies for dealing with transboundary aquifer problems within various contexts in both developed and developing countries. Exchange of ideas will seek to provide indications for new directions in transboundary aquifer management, as well as draw recommendations for the formulation of new policies and implementation elements such as guidelines and educational tools.

With over 400 people having confirmed their participation, this Conference will feature:

  • a High Level Panel presenting the UN General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/63/124) on the «Law of Transboundary Aquifers»
  • a High Level Roundtable on the UN General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/64/292) on «The Human Right to Water and Sanitation» and its link to the management of shared transboundary groundwater resources
  • 24 technical sessions and over 100 presenters
  • a GEF-UNESCO side event
  • film screening of «One Water»
  • the 2nd UNESCO-ISARM Short pilot course on ‘Transboundary Groundwater Management: Tools and Methods’ (9–10 December).

acrobat_icon Conference Flyer (English)

acrobat_icon Flyer conférence (français)

acrobat_icon Final Conference Programme

acrobat_icon The law of transboundary aquifers, UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/63/124

acrobat_icon Ministerial Declaration of The Hague on Water Security in the 21st Century,
     2nd World Water Forum, The Hague, March 2000

acrobat_icon Brochure «Transboundary Aquifers – Managing A Vital Resource»,
     the UNILC draft articles on the law of transboundary aquifers

The Netherlands’ ambassador to UNESCO, H.E. Barend ter Haar, will participate in the opening ceremony of the conference. Mr Jan Busstra of the Netherlands Ministry for Infrastructure and Environment will participate in a High-Level panel, and Mr Michael van der Valk, Scientific Secretary of the Netherlands National Committee IHP-HWRP, will chair the session on «Building capacities and strengthening institutions». The Netherlands-based International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC) is member of the organizing committee.