International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management

Introduction:
Conference Logo
The Prize organizes the bi-annual International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management in conjunction with the United Nations and other international agencies.
 
The Prize is also a permanent observing member of the United Nations' Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), where it focuses on the application of space technologies to water-related concerns.

United Nations / Argentina / PSIPW

2nd International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management

hosted by
Argentine Space Agency (ASA)

7-11 March 2011, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Goals of the Conference:

As a successor to the conference held in 2008 in Saudi Arabia, the present conference will further discussions on how space technology can be applied to more effectively manage the world's water resources. Topics will include: combating desertification, ensuring access to safe drinking water, and the management of water-related emergencies in developing countries.

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)

12-16 April 2008, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Download the Program (PDF)

Download the Working Groups' Report (PDF)

Organizers:

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.