A stepwise open-ended approach to the identification of joint management structures for shared aquifers

The need for joint management of increasingly stressed cross-boundary aquifers is likely to grow in upcoming years. Yet there is a lack of experience in the management of cross-boundary groundwater. Moreover, the differences in the nature of groundwater and surface water preclude direct transfer of experience gained in managing cross-boundary rivers and lakes to the management of cross-border groundwater basins. This paper suggests an open-ended approach to the identification of joint management structures for shared aquifers to overcome the inability to rely on prior experience. A flexible-sequential framework is proposed that allows the parties to identify and evaluate options not tried before. The discussion is on the most salient points for analysts and decision-makers. The framework is developed within the Israeli-Palestinian context; however, the approach is applicable to a wider array of situations.