The publication seeks to compile, analyse and disseminate experiences, and thereby to demonstrate and illustrate important steps and lessons learned as well as good practices to take into account when developing a climate change adaptation strategy for water management in the basin or transboundary context. It includes lessons learned and good practices mainly from the programme of pilot projects (see annex 1) under the ECE Water Convention implemented since 2010 in cooperation with partner organizations, such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in the framework of the Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC). It also includes lessons and examples from the global network of basins and numerous other organizations working on water and climate change in transboundary basins, such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and many others.

The publication serves as a complement to the Guidance on Water and Adaptation to Climate Change as well as to the previous INBO handbooks. It is not legally binding and does not supersede the legal obligations arising from the Water Convention and other legal instruments.

A lesson learned in this publication is a recommendation about a certain concept or approach that has proven to be beneficial or effective as derived from practical experience. A good practice (see case studies throughout the publication) is a case situation in which certain concepts or approaches proved to be beneficial or effective and where adaptive capacity has been increased.

The target audience of this publication includes all those working on adaptation to climate change in transboundary, but also national, basins, including joint bodies, such as basin commissions and other institutions for transboundary cooperation, as well as the national representatives in such joint bodies; developers of adaptation strategies, especially in transboundary basins; decision makers; specialists working on water and/or climate change in ministries; and other authorities, scientists and Non-Governmental Organizations.