How we Work

The Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and the Strategic Action Program (SAP). The TDA is the analytical component that identifies and analyses the transboundary problems, their impacts and causes. The SAP is the strategic component that focuses on strategic thinking, planning and implementation. Both the TDA and the SAP components should be highly collaborative and fully engage with the key stakeholders from the water system. This menu focuses on the TDA and the steps required to develop the key components of the final document.

Schematic outline of the TDA process

The main technical role of a TDA is to identify, quantify, and set priorities for environmental problems that are transboundary in nature. The following indicates the key activities in the TDA process (not necessarily as sequential steps) include:

  1. Defining system boundaries
  2. Reconfirming the stakeholders (and their roles) outline in the Project Documentation submitted to the GEF and ensuring their inclusion in the development work of the TDA
  3. Collection and analysis of data/information including reference to global/regional needs (e.g. SDGs) for data and indicators to support the SAP utilising lessons and guidance from GEF projects and other sources (e.g. GEF TWAP, floods/droughts projects)
  4. Identification & prioritisation of the transboundary problems and the potential for climate change and variability to impact these problems
  5. Determination of the environmental and socio-economic impacts (including on ecosystems, their services and values as a starting point)
  6. Analysis of the immediate, underlying, and root causes
  7. Development of thematic reports (e.g. stakeholder, gender and governance analyses, ecosystem status and pressures, etc.)
  8. Identification of leverage points
  9. Drafting the TDA

The TDA provides the factual basis for the strategic component of the TDA/SAP Process – strategic thinking, planning and implementation of the SAP. In addition to this, however, the TDA should be part of a process of engagement and collaboration with stakeholders through the initial TDA steps and the subsequent development of alternative solutions during the formulation of the SAP. Consequently, studies of institutional capacity, governance, and investment are all essential components of the TDA.