ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the growing significance of unseen water resources, especially groundwater, for water security, resilience, and economic development planning. It discusses the emerging field of water diplomacy concerning transboundary groundwater and aquifers, which has been historically overshadowed by visible freshwaters like rivers and lakes. While conflicts and disputes over groundwater are currently limited, the chapter emphasizes the need for science- and evidence-based, proactive, and adaptive diplomacy in dealing with this resource due to incomplete knowledge and uncertainties. Countries are urged to engage in proactive assessments and transboundary cooperation to prevent overexploitation and resource degradation. The chapter also stresses the integration of transboundary aquifer cooperation with diplomacy on visible waters to maximize solution opportunities and societal benefits. Protecting the rights of marginalized communities dependent on vulnerable groundwater systems is deemed critical. Furthermore, the international community has made significant strides in supporting transboundary water cooperation, with efforts such as systematic aquifer mapping, assessments, multilateral agreements, and international legal instruments. These initiatives align with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, fostering global cooperation and communities of practice around unseen water governance. Overall, this chapter highlights the growing importance of groundwater diplomacy and the international community’s efforts to accelerate progress in sustainable management of unseen water resources.
