UNESCO Launched Networks on Sustainable Water Resources Management In The Arab World
Most of the Arab countries are located in arid and semi-arid zones known for
their scanty annual rainfall, very high rates of evaporation and
consequently extremely insufficient renewable water resources. Sustainable
management of water resources using the integrated water resources
management approach, is a must as water scarcity is becoming more and more a
development constraint impeding the economic growth of many countries in the
region. The per capita share of renewable water resources in the Arab region
is less than 10% of the worldwide average. In the Arab World, there are more
than 50 million persons without access to safe drinking water and more than
90 million without access to proper sanitation. This is a big challenges for
governments, donors, international organizations, and scientists to
achieve the MDG and targets on water and sanitation by year
2015.
UNESCO through it regional office for Arab States in Cairo has been active
in launching and operating 3 water networks to promote sustainable and
integrated water management through research, capacity building and transfer
of relevant knowledge. These networks are:
1. The Arab Network on Wadi Hydrology which is coordinated
by ACSAD, Syria. This network promotes the concept of integrated water
resources management in arid;
2. The Arab Network on Groundwater Protection which is
coordinated by the Groundwater Research Institute in Egypt; and
3. The Arab Network on Water Use Ethics which is
coordinated by the regional Center for water use ethics in Egypt. This
network focuses on ethical issues related to water interactions with
society, culture, and other stakeholders.
Its strategy is to consolidate efforts of various national, regional and
international agencies in these areas to address these themes. Human
resources development and capacity building has been a prime objective of
UCO activities. UCO is actively following the UNESCO approach of
result based management in all its activities.
Contact information |
Dr. Radwan Al-Weshah, Regional Advisor for Water Sciences & FRIEND/Nile Project Director: UNESCO Cairo Office
(email: R.Weshah@mail.unesco.org.eg; R.Weshah@unesco.org) Phone: +202-27945599 / 27943036 ; Fax: +202- 27945296, Mobile: +20-10-1777800 |
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News type | Inbrief |
File link | n/a |
Source of information | Dr. Radwan Al-Weshah, Regional Advisor for Water Sciences & FRIEND/Nile Project Director |
Subject(s) | POLICY-WATER POLICY AND WATER MANAGEMENT |
Geographical coverage | Egypt |
News date | 24/09/2007 |
Working language(s) | ENGLISH |