Launch of new GEF project on "Groundwater Governance"

The UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (IHP) together with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) has initiated a new Project on "Groundwater Governance" financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The overall project objective is to increase the awareness on the paramount importance of a sound management of our groundwater resources in preventing and reversing the global water crisis. The project will develop a global "Framework of Action" (FA), consisting of a menu of best practices for the sustainable management of groundwater resources.

A fundamental component of the project process consists in a series of Regional Consultations that will aim to: 1) acquire first-hand knowledge of regional issues from local groundwater experts; 2) raise awareness and promote the global groundwater agenda; 3) build consensus on the concept of "groundwater governance", and foster cooperation amongst cross-sectoral stakeholders, decision-makers and specialists. These regional consultative workshops will take place in different regions of the globe and will make use of the existing networks of the IHP National Committees and the other partners.

This project is designed to serve member states and, though their best practices, jointly understand the complex nexus between science and governance in the management of groundwater resources.

The Inception meeting of the project will take place at UNESCO HQ on 6-7 September 2011.

For more information please contact Ms Lucilla Minelli.