The degradation of shared freshwater and marine resources poses major risks for ecosystems, economies, and political stability, making cooperation across national boundaries essential.

The IEO conducted its third study from 2015 to 2017, building on earlier reviews using portfolio analysis, terminal evaluations, stakeholder interviews, and remote sensing to examine how well the international waters focal area addresses these pressures. 

The evaluation finds the focal area remains highly relevant as climate change, population growth, and trade distortions intensify water stress, and that projects continue to align with global priorities, including Sustainable Development Goals.

Regional initiatives show stronger results than national ones, with evidence of reduced nutrient pollution, recovery of marine ecosystems, and strengthened governance mechanisms such as river basin commissions and fisheries agreements.

Countries have used transboundary diagnostic analyses and resulting strategic action programs to negotiate agreements such as the Benguela Current Commission, though monitoring and evaluation systems still lack consistent application of stress reduction indicators.

The report recommends enhancing cross-sector integration, reinforcing governance mechanisms in transboundary settings, and ensuring consistent use of performance indicators to capture stress reduction and broader impacts.