The Shared Waters Lab Partnership
About SWLP
The Shared Waters Lab Partnership (SWL) is dedicated to strengthening international water diplomacy by providing critical data and analysis on transboundary freshwater resources. It is a partnership between Oregon State University, the Fletcher School at Tufts University, and IHE-Delft, with three primary focal areas:
Monitoring water conflict & cooperation
Early warning for conflict risk
Promoting equitable, sustainable, and effective cooperation.
Our work encompasses monitoring and early warning systems for potential conflicts and opportunities for cooperation, with a focus on equitable and sustainable management of shared water resources. We employ advanced data collection methods, analytical tools, and strategic advisory services to address key challenges such as water quantity disputes, infrastructure development, and institutional capacity. We aim to enhance our database and provide timely insights to prevent conflicts and foster collaborative governance of transboundary water systems, via the following research areas:
Global and regional data collection
Our Work
Comprehensive data analysis
Advising, facilitation, and capacity building
Much of our work centers on the Transboundary Freshwater Diplomacy Database (TFDD), which we are updating and expanding to to offer a spatial platform for understanding global freshwater basins, treaties, and institutional frameworks. Our mission is to support policymakers and researchers in navigating & mitigating water-related conflicts while promoting cooperation.
SWL Partnership Leads
Melissa McCracken
Director
Susanne Schmeier
IHE-Delft Partner Lead
OSU Partner Lead