The Political Economy of Regionalism: The Relevance for International Waters and the Global Environment Facility

There is strong evidence that contemporary regionalism and regional cooperation influence both the context and quality of transnational policy making in most sectors, ranging from economic development, social affairs, trade, health, and education, to peace and security. The importance of using regional or collective action approaches to address a range of environmental issues is also widely recognized in both policy and research. Indeed, most freshwater and marine resources are transboundary in nature and are of vital importance for economic and social development, food security, and the sustainable use and management of ecosystems.