Groundwater governance in international river basins – An analysis of the Norwegian-Swedish transborder area

Abstract

Study regionScandinavia, Norway and Sweden. Study focusTransborder cooperation and knowledge of transboundary aquifers (TBAs) has evolved through an inventory under the convention on the protection and use of transboundary watercourses and international lakes (Water Convention) from 1992. Within EU countries, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) from 2000 intends to contribute to achieve the objectives of the Water Convention. This study analyses the national groundwater management systems in Norway and Sweden and their implementation of the WFD. Emphasis has been placed on international river basin districts (IRBD) and transborder cooperation. The findings offer recommendations for authorities and policy-makers on how they could improve the long-term management and ensuring transparent decision-making of transboundary groundwater management. New hydrological insights for the regionIn Norway and Sweden, TBAs play a minor role in supplying freshwater resources and sustaining socio-economic development in transborder areas. The analysis shows that surface water overrules ‘the invisible’ groundwater. This study highlights several factors that need to be addressed. First, the Norwegian national water management systems are fragmented and over-complex, which complicates national and transnational cooperation. Second, Swedish legislation must be revised to meet the requirements of the WFD regarding IRBD delineation. Finally, transborder dialogue and joint projects on groundwater mapping are necessary for mobilising resources and the necessary political support to obtain knowledge on TBAs.