GLOBAL WORKSHOP ON FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION IN TRANSBOUNDARY BASINS
SIC ICWC participated in the Global Workshop on Freshwater Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration in Transboundary Basins, which was held on 16-17 June, 2025 in Geneva. The workshop was organized with the support of the European Union, Slovenia, France and the multi-donor trust fund of the Water Convention. The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives of international organizations, government agencies and leading experts to discuss the critical role of freshwater ecosystems and the importance of transboundary cooperation in ensuring their sustainable conservation and restoration.
The program included six thematic sessions, group work focused on developing solutions, and a field trip illustrating the successful cooperation between Switzerland and France in restoring shared water ecosystems. The Water Bureau of the Canton of Geneva coordinated this initiative.
The main topics of the meeting were:
- Session 1: Transboundary freshwater ecosystems: what are we talking about?
- Session 2: Legal frameworks, policy actions and institutional aspects of the conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems
- Session 3: The conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems in a transboundary context: a dynamic relationship between transboundary water cooperation and biodiversity protection
- Session 4: Solutions, part 1 - Unlocking concrete approaches and tools to accelerate the protection and restoration of shared freshwater ecosystems
- Session 5: Solutions, part 2 - Funding and financing the protection and restoration of shared freshwater ecosystems
- Session 6: Future activities on the protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems in transboundary basins and closing session
The meeting addressed key issues related to transboundary freshwater ecosystems, with a focus on their legal frameworks, policy development and institutional arrangements. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening and implementing international and regional legal and regulatory frameworks for the conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems, including initiatives such as the EU Water Framework Directive &Nature Restoration Regulation.
Special attention was given to practical solutions and tools aimed at accelerating the conservation and restoration of transboundary freshwater ecosystems. These included ecological solutions and the sustainable management of shared peatlands. The workshop also featured case studies demonstrating successful examples of transboundary cooperation, such as the UNESCO Mura-Drava-Danube Transboundary Biosphere Reserve and the TRIWA LIFE project on the Torne River shared between Finland and Sweden.
Financial mechanisms, including initiatives by the World Bank, the private sector, as well as trust and water funds were recognized as essential tools for scaling up efforts in ecosystem restoration.
Session 6 focused on outlining future activities for the protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems in transboundary basins as part of the Water Convention. The session concluded with a set of key conclusions and recommendations.
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