Introduction
|
 |
Countries of the Arab region are
confronted by several water problems due to both climatic conditions
and socio-economic factors From an
ecoclimatic point of view, most of the region extends across
semi-arid , arid and hyper arid zones. The semi-arid belts
have been particularly affected be cycles of droughts and
desertification in the past decades. Socio-economically, ..he
region |
is characterized by a fast increasing
populationt,which has resulted in a
sharp decline of the per capita
availability of water, from about 2200 m3/c/y to less
than 1000 m3/c/y within the past 25 years
From an ecoclimatic point of view,
most of the region extends across semi-arid , arid and hyper arid
zones. The semi-arid belts have been particularly affected be
cycles of droughts and desertification in the past decades.
Socio-economically, the region is characterized by a fast increasing
population, which has resulted in a sharp decline of the per capita
availability of water, from about 2200 m3/c/y to less
than 1000 m3/c/y within the past 25 years.
In response to these concerns, many
countries have adopted policies for the sustainable management,
development and efficient utilization of their water resources.
However, due to increasing water scarcity and reduced per capita
availability, many countries have recognized the urgent need to
secure and utilize new supplies of water in order to sustain a
minimum resource base. For many countries, the development and
efficient utilization of the renewable sources of water in wadis is
the only optimal solution for addressing water shortage problems.
The efficiency of harnessing water from wadis will depend on the
understanding and knowledge regarding the qualitative and
quantitative hydrology and water resource potential of wadi systems.
Wadi is the name given to an
ephemeral water course in Arab region, yet it is increasingly
recognized as an international name used in most hydrological
publications all over the world. Despite its important role as a
vital source of water in many Arab countries, as well as other arid
areas of the world, catastrophic flash floods occurring in wadis are
threat to its communities. Furthermore, the scientific understanding
and knowledge of its hydrological processes are rather poor in most
of these countries.
The current IHP-V ‘Wadi Hydrology’
programme aims mainly to enhance the knowledge and understanding on
wadi systems, and to develop the human and institutional capacities
needed for the sustainable management of wadis and their water
resources in arid and semi-arid areas.
Arab Wadi Hydrology Network
|
 |
Upon an initiative of the Sixth Regional Meeting of the IHP
committees of Arab Countries, held in Jordan in December 1995, a
special project in ‘Wadi Hydrology’ was proposed in line with UNESCO
Cairo Office’s ongoing activities in the selected concentration area
of a rainfall water management. After the meeting in Jordan, the
idea of a project on |
Wadi
Hydrology was unanimously endorsed in the recommendations of the
UNESCO / NWRC / ACSAD Workshop on ‘Wadi Hydrology’ held in Cairo on
5-6 June 1996.
During this particular workshop, a network on Wadi Hydrology
was created, with the Arab Center for Studies of Arid Zones and Dry
Lands (ACSAD) serving as it regional coordinator.
Consequently, a draft resolution on Wadi Hydrology was approved and
subsequently submitted during the 12th IHP
Intergovernmental Council meeting of September 1996 where it was
accepted and endorsed by the Council.
As a result, Wadi Hydrology is now incorporated into the
1998/1999 workplan of the International Hydrological Programme of
UNESCO as a global action under coordination of the Regional
Hydrologist at UNESCO Cairo Office.
Objectives
Under the framework of the International Hydrological
Programme, UNESCO Cairo Office, ACSAD and ALECSO have developed a
regional programme on Wadi Hydrology, with the following development
objectives :
1-
To improve the understanding and knowledge of the
hydrological processes in arid and semi-arid zones with emphasis on
Wadi Hydrology.
2-
To develop the concept of integrated and sustainable
development and management of wadi systems and improve the
methodologies and education on coping with water scarcity in dry
regions.
More specifically the project aims
towards :
a.
Improvement and consolidation the knowledge on the physical
processes of Wadi Hydrology through research and development;
b.
Enhancing the water resources development and management
capabilities in Wadi systems through development of approaches and
cost effective techniques for the integrated development and
management of wadi systems;
c.
Strengthening human resources and institutions in the region
through training and capacity building activities at various levels.
Network Structure
To achieve these objectives the regional network has been
established, under the secretariat of the founding organization:
UNSCO Cairo Office, ALECSO and ACSAD, who serves as its coordinator.
The general assembly is constituted of all Arab IHP Committees, and
meets biannually. A Steering Committee, which meets more regularly
to discuss network activities, is composed of focal representatives
from experimental wadis, regular training courses and funding
organizations.
