The analytical work should improve the quality of the assessment outcome and provide salient information for policymaking, decision-making and developing cooperation. If the first part of the assessment is mostly a diagnostic of the basin's situation, resources and sectors, the second is characterized by a more active level of stakeholder engagement that aims to jointly uncover priority issues, develop possible solutions and assess the benefits of cooperation. The paragraphs immediately below describe the six steps, whereas the participatory methods and frameworks and tools are described later on in this chapter. This includes information on: (i) the current state of energy, food, water and environmental security, and the availability of natural resources; (ii) the relations that exist within the region, the basin and its riparian countries; and (iii) main strategic goals, development policies and challenges.