Transboundary Aquifers of the World Map

The 2015 Map of Transboundary Aquifers of the World (2015 TBA Map) shows the information presently available on the occurrence and extent of Transboundary Aquifers worldwide. There are now 592 identified transboundary aquifers (including 226 transboundary ‘groundwater bodies' as defined in the European Union Water Framework Directive, EU WFD, underlying almost every nation. 

The map is based on the most recent results of an inventory of many projects of many projects carried out around the world. This 2015 special edition includes a series of three thematic maps which overlay the Transboundary Aquifers of the World. The TBA Map is also available online at IGRAC's Global Groundwater Information System (GGIS). 

Raising Awareness

With one-third of humanity totally dependent on groundwater for their daily needs and 98% of the Planet Earth's easily accessible freshwater found in aquifers, there is an urgent need for improved governance to halt over exploitation and degradation of this vital ‘hidden' groundwater resource.

By sharing this TBA map, IGRAC and UNESCO-IHP aim to contribute to raising awareness on the importance of the sound governance of shared aquifer resources and to building the much needed global knowledge base. 

Comments

Given that knowledge on TBAs is still limited, individuals and organisations (national and international, governmental and non-governmental) are invited to provide comments and suggestions to further improve the Map of Transboundary Aquifers of the World. 

Paper Copies

If you wish to receive a hardcopy of our 2015 map, please email us at info@un-igrac.org (please include your postal address).