There are 150 transboundary river basins in the world.

Error detected

The claim states there are 150 transboundary river basins in the world, but the real figure is between 276 and 313 — approximately double. The number 150 corresponds to the number of countries and disputed areas that share those basins, not the number of basins.

Omissions

• The MEP appears to have confused two distinct figures: approximately 150 countries share transboundary river basins, but the basins themselves number between 276 and 313.
• The UN Water 2024 update cites 313 transboundary rivers and lakes, while other authoritative sources cite 276–286 transboundary river basins. Both figures are roughly double the claimed 150.
• The number of recognized transboundary basins has increased over time as mapping and hydrological knowledge have improved: from 214 in the 1978 UN Register to 261 (1999), 276, and most recently 310 in the 2019 McCracken & Wolf update.
• The most up-to-date authoritative register (McCracken & Wolf, 2019) was published several years before the session date and would have been available to the MEP.

Sources

• PrimaryUN-WaterAn estimated 313 rivers and lakes, and 468 aquifers, are shared by two or more countries, and a total of 153 UN Member States are reliant on transboundary waters.
• AcademicMcCracken & Wolf (2019) — World Water Week / Oregon State UniversityThese basins are shared by 150 countries and disputed areas, cover 47.1% of the Earth's land surface and include 52% of the world's population.
• SecondaryNature Communications Earth & EnvironmentAlthough open to some debate, it is generally recognized that there are 286 transboundary rivers in the world. Their basins cover 151 countries.