In the context of developing a framework for marine governance based on transdisciplinary research supporting the Global Ocean Decade, and to contribute to the development of a Marine Administration Domain model (MADM), there is a need to understand the differences between managing land and water and constructing relevant information models to support this. Given this need, this study aims at generating insights in how which conceptual and practical challenges, opportunities, dilemmas and contradictions exist and/or emerge when converting conventional monodisciplinary management and information management practices to integrated land and water (information) management. We formulate a set of key principles which guide the evaluation of transdisciplinary challenges. We approached the description of the problems and challenges in both land and water management from 5 perspectives: spatial /administrative domain modelling, participation and relevant actors, ontological and conceptual definitions, legislative formulations, practices, contradictions and redundancies, and practical case-based challenges, problems and inconsistencies. We conclude that a conversion to integrated land and water (and forest) management with the associated administrative domain models requires a complete rethinking of transdisciplinary integration and transformation. Nonetheless, the urgency of the global environmental problems requires a rethinking process. The principles of transdisciplinary research can help in this transition.