This publication is one of a series of strategic impact assessments carried out as part of the Global International Waters Assessment Project (GIWA-UNEP/GEF) to evaluate the world's transboundary waters, in recognition of the links between freshwater and coastal marine environments and the effects of human activities. This report focuses on the Pacific Islands region, which is made up of 23 island nations or territories in Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia, and which covers about 12 per cent of the world's ocean space.

This report presents the assessment of the GIWA Eastern Equatorial Pacific region, which includes parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia. Pollution in the Southwest Mexico sub-system, freshwater shortage in the Central Equatorial Pacific sub-system, and the unsustainable exploitation of fish and other living resources in the Pacific Colombian sub-system were considered as the priority concerns. The root causes of these water-related problems are identified and policy options are proposed.--Publisher's description.