GEF projects to reverse the degradation of international waters are informed by — and help to realize the objectives of — a mosaic of regional and international water agreements.These projects enable countries to recognize and learn more about the water-related challenges they share, find ways to work together, and undertake important domestic changes needed to solve problems. The three categories of water projects are:

1. Water bodies;
2. Integrated land and water projects; and
3. Contaminants.

The portfolio of projects, co-financed by GEF , via UNEP , fall under the following main themes:

• The Global International Waters Assessment
• The development and implementation of Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action
• Programmes for shared marine water-bodies
• The development and implementation of Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action
• Programmes for shared lake and river basins
• The management of shared groundwater systems