Strengthening water resource assessment programmes

Description

Strengthening water resource assessment programmes involves systematically collecting, analyzing, and updating data on water availability, quality, and usage. This strategy enables informed decision-making, supports sustainable management, and addresses challenges such as scarcity, pollution, and competing demands. By improving monitoring systems, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and integrating technological tools, these programmes provide reliable information essential for planning, allocation, and protection of water resources, thereby mitigating risks of overexploitation and ensuring long-term water security.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends establishing or strengthening research and development programmes at the national, subregional, regional and international levels in support of water resource assessment activities.