Issue Brief 2: Opening up Access to Information on Transboundary Rivers in Bangladesh

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In June 2013, the Asia Foundation (TAF), with support from the Skoll Global Threats Fund (SGTF) and in partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and civil society organizations in Bangladesh, India and Nepal initiated a project to promote and strengthen transparency and access to data and information on transboundary water governance in South Asia. Over a 15-month period, TAF and its partners assessed the availability of data and information relating to three transboundary rivers in Bangladesh, India and Nepal, built the capacities of civil society and the media to utilize transparency tools and mechanisms including RTI to push for greater access to data and information on water and climate issues, and disseminated this information within the region.

The country level findings and recommendations were documented by partners in the form of issue or policy briefs.  In total, nine issue briefs (three per country) have been developed. Issue brief one examines the status and implementation of bilateral treaties that govern management of the selected transboundary river in each country and the extent to which they mandate or require governments to share and exchange information bilaterally or with the public. Issue brief two assesses the extent to which government agencies that hold water related data and information are proactively disclosing this information and making it available for citizens. Issue brief three discusses the efficacy of the right to information (RTI) as a tool to access data and information on the selected transboundary rivers.

Part of the Skoll Global Threats Fund/World Resources Institute brief collection.

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