Internationally Shared Aquifers Resources Management Programme (ISARM)
Jointly implemented with the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in 2000, ISARM aims to set up a network of specialists and experts to compile a world inventory of transboundary aquifers and develop wise practices and guidance tools concerning shared groundwater resources management.
The regional importance of groundwater as a source of water supply is well known. The UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) have done much to stimulate the development of methods and techniques needed to improve the understanding of groundwater systems. Still, when it comes to considering regional and global water policy issues, the physical status and quality trends of groundwater resources have not been adequately taken into account.
UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Member States have raised concerns about the lack of systematic assessment of the resources of key aquifers and problems related to their development, management and protection. Recommendations have been made for improved collection and sharing of groundwater data, the establishment of a groundwater resources assessment centre and for a higher profile for groundwater issues. Because geological formations have no regard for water catchments or national boundaries, resources in many aquifers are shared by adjacent states and require transboundary management. Very little attention has so far been given to transboundary aquifers.
It is ISARM’s aim to fill this gap by preparing an ‘ISARM toolkit’, comprising detailed technical guidelines, examples of legal and other institutional frameworks, a fully referenced database and extended case studies, highlighting the scientific, socio-economic, as well as legal and institutional problems that can be addressed by sound management principles.
PUBLICATIONS
Environmental Isotopes in the Hydrological Cycle Principles and Applications
This series of text books is aimed to support education in isotope hydrology and to enhance the availability of educational and reference materials.
Managing Shared Aquifer Resources in Africa
[PDF format – 4.5 MB]
The International Workshop on 'Managing Shared Aquifer Resources in Africa', held in Tripoli in June 2002, gave high priority to the conclusion of the inventory of African shared aquifers, including preparation of policy guidelines for sustainable development of shared aquifers, and timely involvement and action for the implementation of an African ISARM programme, drawing on the support of existing and new partners. This publication presents a summary of the main conclusions and a set of recommendations.
Modelling erosion, sediment transport and sediment
yield
[PDF format - 3.64 MB]
This publication assemble a collection of papers dealing with recent work on the field of modelling erosion, sediment transport and sediment yield in order to demonstrate the state-of-the-art in this important area.
Southern Africa FRIEND Phase II 2000-2003
[PDF format - 2.2 MB]
The Southern Africa FRIEND project provides a basis for hydrologists from within the region to participate actively in the IHP and a framework for a wide range of research. It has an important and continuing role in helping to improve the ability of national hydrological agencies in Southern Africa to manage their water resources in a more sustainable and effective way, which will in turn help to alleviate poverty. This document describes the Phase II activities from 2000 to 2003.
Guidelines on non-structural measures in urban flood management[PDF format - 1.18 MB]
The purpose of the Guidelines is to offer a set of complementary approaches to already well-known engineering, structural measures, rather than to propose ready-made solutions. This document takes into account the physical damages and the consequences of pollution caused by urban flooding.
International Sediment Initiative (ISI) brochure[PDF format - 587 KB]
ISI seeks to sustainably manage soil, sediment and water resources to improve the socioeconomic and ecological impacts of erosion and sedimentation. It also aims to provide better advice for policy development and implementation.
International Flood
Initiative (IFI) brochure[PDF format - 1.22 MB]
The vision of IFI is to create well-informed and adequately prepared communities towards a flood-proofed society living consciously and harmoniously with floods.
