data is its ability to provide reliable and comparable information across borders, which is critical for the effective management of transboundary ecosystems and biodiversity.<sup>9</sup> For example, the Mekong River Basin, shared by six countries, relies on shared data to manage fisheries, water resources, and biodiversity effectively (Anh 2021; <mark>McPherson and Ropicki 2021).</mark> Similarly, the Central Albertine Rift, home to endangered species such as mountain gorillas, requires harmonized biodiversity data from Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure conservation success (Plumptre, et al. 2010; Plumptre, et al. 2007). Variations in data collection methods, inconsistent monitoring standards, or the absence of cross-border data sharing can hinder ecosystem-level management efforts. The literature also emphasizes that standardized data collection improves the ability to track species trends, measure ecosystem health, and implement conservation strategies that address ecosystem-wide threats. Comparable data are also necessary for designing and implementing programs such as <mark>Transboundary Protected Areas. The estmates presented in this paper can help in setng up baselines for identfying priority areas for cooperatve environmental protecton.</mark> In another potential domain for GBIF contributions, international and regional treaties play a critical role in conserving natural resources and biodiversity, particularly in transboundary river basins, international waters, and joint marine areas. These treaties establish a legal framework for cooperation among nations, fostering sustainable and equitable management of shared ecosystems while supporting biodiversity. For instance, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) governs marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, promoting the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources (Klein 2005). Similarly, the Ramsar Convention facilitates the protection of wetlands, including transboundary water systems essential for biodiversity <mark>(Stroud et al. 2022). Regional treaties have also proven effective in managing specific environmental challenges. The Convention on the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution, known as the Barcelona Convention, exemplifies collaborative frameworks that address pollution and habitat degradation in marine environments (Raftopoulos 1992; Montefalcone et al, 2021).</mark> In a related context, the Transboundary Freshwater Dispute Database<sup>10</sup> provides information on treaties across the world for more than 300 international river basins (McCracken and Wolf 2019). Turgul et al. (2024) provide an overview of major findings about transboundary water conflict and cooperation the last three decades. Since the 1960s, the environment has been increasingly highlighted in treaties (Giordano et al. 2014). However, Turgul et al. (2024), in their overview of major findings for transboundary water conflict and cooperation during the last three decades, note that more attention is needed to environmental issues. Several international river basin treaties incorporate biodiversity measurements or frameworks to monitor and

> 9 Roberson et al. (2021) point out that multinational coordination is required, especially for marine species, given that nearly all species in their sample span multiple national jurisdictions.

> 10 Product of the Transboundary Freshwater Diplomacy Database, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University.  Additional information about the TFDD can be found at: http://transboundarywaters.science.oregonstate.edu.

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