The conservation and protection of international waters such as rivers, lakes, aquifers, seas, and oceans requires international cooperation. These waters are home to diverse ecosystems and are sources of drinking water, food, energy and income for local communities. Competition for these resources is extremely high and their mismanagement can cause conflict.
The UNOPS International Waters Cluster provides specialized services to partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Bank. Together we promote international cooperation to prevent and reverse environmental degradation of international water systems caused by pollution, overfishing, drought, habitat changes and invasive species.
UNOPS is executing over 30 international waters projects on behalf of these partners in more than 100 countries, amounting to approximately $148 million. Major projects include the Benguela Current marine ecosystem (three countries), the Caribbean marine ecosystem (25 countries), the Caspian Sea (five countries), Lake Chad (six countries), and the Dnieper River (three countries).
Case study: The Caribbean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem Project
The Caribbean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME) is a semi-enclosed sea adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, south of the Mexican Gulf. It is one of the larger salt water seas with a diverse marine life that is fundamental to the livelihoods of coastal communities. However, the region is under environmental stress as climate change, pollution, nutrient enrichment, overfishing, and unsustainable tourism threaten the CLME, and the livelihoods linked to it.
UNOPS is working with UNDP to protect the CLME. The GEF financed project has carried out a scientific assessment to identify three transboundary environmental problems: unsustainable exploitation of fisheries, habitat degradation and pollution. A Strategic Action Programme is being developed with a clear focus to strengthen fishery governance and protect critical livelihood species such as the spiny lobster. The project aims to enhance the health of the ecosystem and increase sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
Case study: The Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem Strategic Action Programme
The Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) is situated along the coast of southern Africa, bordered by Angola, Namibia and South Africa. The BCLME is extremely rich in marine biodiversity and other natural resources such as diamonds and gas reserves. Environmental degradation is increasing due to overfishing, climate change, invasive species, habitat destruction, unsustainable tourism, pollution from mining and illegal disposal of hazardous waste.
UNOPS is working with UNDP-GEF and the three BCLME governments to implement a four-year project that is financed by GEF and aims to protect the BCLME. The project supports the implementation of the BCLME Strategic Action Programme through the adoption of national policy reforms, the creation of a regional commission and the endorsement and ratification of a legally binding international convention which will be the world’s first for an LME. The project also aims to improve the management of shared fish stocks, biodiversity and ecosystem health as well as the livelihoods of coastal communities.