Water and Development Information for Arid Lands – A Global Network (G-WADI)

UNESCO has supported the establishment of a global network on water resources management in arid and semi-arid zones by bringing together an international group of experts to develop the concept, objectives, and an outline of the network.

G-WADI’s primary aim is to build an effective global community through the integration of selected existing material from networks, centres, organizations, and individuals who would become members of G-WADI. The network will promote international and regional cooperation in the arid and semi-arid areas. The activities initiated within the network will expand in a dynamic way to meet emerging needs along the lines of these objectives. Although G-WADI is open to new initiatives, specific objectives are as follows:

improved understanding of the special characteristics of hydrological systems and water management needs in arid areas in the South African Development Community (SADC) region
increased capacity-building of individuals and institutions, matching supply with need

the broad dissemination of understanding of water in arid zones to the user community and the public, especially as a basis for improved management

exchange of experience, as through case studies
sharing of data to support regional research and the strengthening of data networks to underpin sound management
awareness raising of the potential of advanced technologies for data provision, data assimilation, and system analysis
promotion of integrated basin management and the development and use of appropriate decision support tools.