United Nations / UNESCO / Saudi Arabia
1st International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management
hosted by
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
and
Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW)
April 12-16 2008, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Download the Program (PDF)
Download the Working Groups' Report (PDF)
Organizers:
OBJECTIVE OF THE CONFERENCE:
1. To explore the use of space technologies to assist in water management with the goal of finding ways to increase water resources and mitigate water related environmental problems such as drought, flood, and pollution.
Topics included: rain water harvesting methods, groundwater recharge storage basins, sedimentation control in surface water systems, exploration and assessment of groundwater, and water demand management in urban areas.
2. To explore the use of space technology to detect archaeological irrigation systems such as canals that can inspire modern day solutions to satisfy our water needs. Ancient irrigation systems were designed to efficiently deliver large quantities of subterranean water to the surface and allow water to be transported long distances in hot, dry climates without losing a large proportion of the source water to seepage and evaporation.
The Conference explored these ancient systems using space technologies such as remote sensing, and discussed how these systems can be used to satisfy modern water needs, particularly with respect to improving land use and agricultural activities, and the discovery of surface or underground water sources. This is part of an effort to link traditional and ancient methods to modern needs.
UN / Space & Water
