Transboundary water cooperation and joint river basin management are pivotal for climate resilient development in South Asia

Abstract

Transboundary water cooperation and joint river basin management are critical for achieving climate-resilient development in South Asia. Home to major river systems such as the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra, the region’s water resources support nearly 1.9 billion people. However, climate change is altering monsoon patterns, increasing floods and droughts, and accelerating glacial melt, which affects water availability and threatens water-energy-food-environmental (WEFE) security, ecosystems, biodiversity, and livelihoods. This study underscores the importance of transboundary cooperation to address these risks, highlighting successful models of collaboration. Despite some initiatives, substantial gaps remain in integrated governance, climate-adaptive policy frameworks, equitable water sharing, basin-wide vulnerability reduction, empowering regional institutions, and data sharing among the South Asian basins. Barriers, such as geopolitical tensions, inadequate trust and confidence, unsustainable hydropower development, limited funding and stakeholder engagement hinder effective water resource management. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated climate-resilient strategies and basin wide approaches including flexible water-sharing agreements, improved disaster risk reduction systems, joint resource mobilization, capacity building, and enhanced community involvement. By fostering transboundary collaboration, South Asian nations can build resilience, reduce water conflicts, enhance WEFE security and well-being of millions who rely on these precious water resources, and promote sustainable development across shared river basins.