Indicator 6.5.2 “Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation”

Target 6.5 emphasizes the importance of transboundary cooperation – this page explains why and how to monitor progress towards the target, and what resources that are available for countries to do so.

The indicator at a glance

Indicator 6.5.2 tracks the percentage of transboundary basin area within a country that has an operational arrangement for water cooperation.

An arrangement for water cooperation is a bilateral or multilateral treaty, convention, agreement or other formal arrangement between riparian countries that provides a framework for cooperation.

For the arrangement to be considered operational, the following criteria need to be fulfilled:

• Existence of a joint body
• Regular, formal communication between riparian countries (at least once a year)
• Joint or coordinated management plans or objectives
• Regular exchange of data and information (at least once a year)

Data are commonly compiled by relevant national line ministries and institutions (e.g. for Water, Environment, Natural Resources, Hydrology, Geology).

Available support 2019-2022

UNECE and UNESCO are the custodians of indicator 6.5.2. For any inquiries about available support, please contact their helpdesk.

Guidance on data collection and reporting

• Monitoring methodology (updated version available in Spring 2020)
• Template for reporting (available in Spring 2020)
• Guidance on reporting (available in Spring 2020)
• Data collection process and timeline

Online support

• Helpdesk (email, phone, video conference)
• Webinars (previous webinars in 2017)

Face-to-face support

• Regional workshops
• Presentations at global intergovernmental meetings and sessions in various fora

Data and progress reporting

• SDG 6 Data Portal
• 2018 Progress Report
• 2018 Regional Progress Reports: Arab region
• 6.5.2 website (UNECE)