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. Essential actions include establishing monitoring networks, standardizing methodologies, enhancing data sharing, and building technical capacity. These measures ensure accurate assessments, facilitate early warning of risks, and guide effective policy and investment to safeguard water resources.

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.