Enhancing Transboundary Water Security via a Participatory Negotiation Support Framework Spotlight on the Congo Basin

The global water crisis is a pressing issue marked by alarming statistics. Although access to safe drinking water and sanitation has improved, nearly half of the world’s population still lacks adequate access, and the situation is particularly severe in Africa, where over a quarter of the population does not have safely managed drinking water (World Health Organization [WHO] & UNICEF, 2017). Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,” emphasizes the interconnectedness of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). While the United Nations (UN) World Water Development Report (UN-Water, 2022) indicated some progress, the rate of improvement is insufficient to meet the 2030 target; and access disparities remains vast, especially among rural populations, women, and children (UNICEF, 2022). Challenges to achieving SDG 6 are compounded by increasing water scarcity driven by climate change, population growth, and unsustainable water management practices. Inadequate sanitation facilities further contribute to water pollution and public health risks, particularly in developing countries (WHO, 2022). Addressing these gaps requires substantial investment.

Hutton and Varughese (2016) estimate a threefold upsurge in the current basic water and sanitation services, translating it to a financial commitment of around $114 billion to meet essential needs.