G-WADI—the first decade

Abstract

The G-WADI network by UNESCO promotes the global capacity for management of water resources in arid and semi-arid areas. The primary aim has been to build a comprehensive global network to promote regional and international cooperation so as to increase knowledge and improve management practices through the sharing of information. The G-WADI objectives and achievements of the past 10 years are reviewed. A number of key initiatives have been implemented––the formation of five regional networks, the creation of a central G-WADI web site, promotion of near-real-time rainfall distribution software enhanced by the inclusion of satellite based precipitation estimations, as well as workshop and web-based activities on chemical and isotopic tracers and on rain water harvesting. Two workshops on surface and on groundwater modeling, supported by publications have been held in India and China. The Asian G-WADI network remains very active, but activities in the other three regions are developing (Africa, Arab Region, Latin America and the Caribbean).