Greetings,
Today, March 22, the Center for International Water and Sustainability (CIWAS) at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) would like to recognize World Water Day. The theme for this year’s World Water Day is “Groundwater – Making the invisible visible” which highlights the importance of recognizing groundwater’s crucial role in our lives and in the ecosystem. Groundwater dependence is expected to expand rapidly because of increasing population and precipitation uncertainties due to droughts/climate change.
Globally, 2 billion still lack access to safely managed drinking water services while 3.6 billion live without access to safely managed sanitation facilities (WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme 2021). By 2030, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 targets to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water with adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all. Understanding the value of groundwater and managing it sustainability will ensure that water resources are effectively utilized towards achieving SDG 6.
DRI has been actively involved in providing technical capacity building and research support to water project staff in West Africa since 1991 in (1) the use of appropriate groundwater exploration methods and techniques for water well drilling, (2) water quality analysis and interpretation of results, and (3) the investigation of the use of local geomaterials to treat contaminated water. The focus of DRI-CIWAS is addressing gaps in knowledge, research, and human resource capacity that persist in developing countries. As such, DRI-CIWAS also specializes in developing integrated watershed science tools and disseminating information to facilitate informed decision-making for sustainable management of watersheds and ecosystems within them, including groundwater resources. DRI-CIWAS believes that innovative and positive WASH solutions can be facilitated through strong partnerships between policymakers and scientists. As such, CIWAS also provides short courses and degree programs to increase the capacity of WASH professionals at all levels.
The CIWAS Team wants to thank all of you for your support of our important work. To learn more about World Water Day and follow today’s activities, please go to World Water Day.
Braimah Apambire & Team
