International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management

space conference logo 240x250Introduction:

Every three years, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and PSIPW co-organize the International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management in conjunction with the United Nations and other international agencies. The most recent 4th conference was held in Islamabad, Pakistan from 26 february to 2 march 2018..

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.

 

2022

United Nations / Ghana / PSIPW / ISNET

5th International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management

hosted by 
the University of Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Government of Ghana

10-13 May 2022, Acra, Ghana

logostrip ghana

1. RATIONALE AND CONTEXT

This was the fifth international event focusing on water-related aspects of space technology applications in the series of conferences organised in co-operation with, and with financial assistance of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW). This conference was also co-sponsored by the European Space Agency and the Inter-Islamic network on Space Sciences & Technology (ISNET). The first such event, the United Nations/UNESCO/Saudi Arabia International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management, took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2008, the second conference was organized in March 2011 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the third one in Rabat, Morocco in April 2014, and the fourth in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2018.


2. CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The conference relates to a key objective of the Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028: the international community shall "energize implementation of existing programmes and projects", such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 2015-2030 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the 2015 Paris Agreement. Furthermore, the Global Acceleration Framework for SDG 6 and the accelerators communicated therein, are taken into consideration for the planning of the conference:

  1. Expand the use of space technologies and space-based data for better water resource management;
    • What space-based data is available to report on SDG 6 targets and indicators or other SDG targets which have a water-nexus? Which space-based data sources have not been exhausted / used so far to support SDG reporting?
    • What methods and models are used, which ones can be applied to report SDG 6 indicators? What are the lessons learnt from SDG 6.6.1 which is already reported based on satellite data; and
    • What additional tools are required to deliver the data?
  2. Foster knowledge exchange between actors in the space sector and actors in the water management / water research sector as well as the establishment of partnerships;
    • Help create partnerships (SDG 17) based on identified needs and solutions. Identify priority areas where pilot projects could be proposed and possible partnerships established.
  3. Identify user needs
    • Identify needs of public entities and academia, civil society organizations, (e.g. data, capacity building, tools, policy, etc.) and match needs and solutions for sustainable water management; and
    • Identify user needs for the Space4Water Portal (potentially also assess usability with volunteers).
  4. Demonstrate possible solutions (by technology providers via demo sessions).

Finally, specific regional contribution from Sub-Sahara Africa will be encouraged.


3. CONFERENCE PROGRAMME AND OUTCOMES

1. Space-based technology and data for managing water-related extremes: Floods

Floods have become the world's deadliest type of disaster in 2019, having caused 43.5% of all deaths related to natural disasters. An increasing number of events compared to previous years is recognisable. Floods furthermore lead to the highest number of people affected compared to other disasters as they affect human activities and the economy. Technical presentations will focus on available methods, models, tools, data and case studies addressing how floods can be detected or monitored from space, as well as all other space-based solutions that contribute to better management of floods. Topics to be addressed can include, but are not limited to any space-based technology or data used in relation to the below listed:

  • Flood early warning, preparedness, mitigation, emergency response and integrated flood management
  • Climate change and a bent water cycle - in relation to floods
  • Basin-level approaches
  • National risk management for flood events
  • International Charter "Space and Major Disasters"
  • Remote sensing imagery, indices and other geospatial analysis
  • Sources for reliable population data
  • Data (availability, standards, levels, cloud filtering, analysis-ready data)
  • Flood impact (health, environment, economy, etc.)
  • Capacity building (gaps and needs, requirements for informed-decision making)

2. Space-based technology and data for managing water-related extremes: Water scarcity and drought

Water scarcity is a major global challenge. While water demand and population rapidly increase, we are faced with consequences of urbanisation, development pressures, and increased industrial demands on the resource. Water use worldwide has been rising at a rate of 1% per year since the 1980's, driven by population growth, socio-economic development and changing consumption patterns. Global demand is expected to continue growing at a similar rate until 2050, with 20-30% of this increase caused by rising demand in the industrial and domestic sectors. The United Nations SDG 6 Synthesis Report 2018 on Water and Sanitation shows that 2 billion people worldwide live in countries experiencing high water scarcity, and four billion people experience severe water scarcity for at least one month per year. Water stress will increase, as demand for water grows, and the effects of climate change increasingly impact life on Earth at an increasing rate. Innovative scientific solutions are needed to help solving the water crisis, and space technology applications provide tools for effective water resources management. Research and further development of these innovative technologies need to be encouraged and supported worldwide.

Technical presentations in this session shall address how water scarcity is measured, monitored or managed with assistance from or based on space-based technology and data. Presentations will focus on available methods, models, tools, data and case studies to understand water scarcity, its causes and effects, as well as the identification of gaps and needs. Topics to be addressed can include, but are not limited to, any space-based technology or data used in relation to the themes below:

  • Water scarcity, drought, vegetation health and relevant proxies in space-based assessment
  • Types of droughts (e.g. meteorological, agricultural, seasonal, flash drought etc.)
  • Climate change and a bent water cycle - relation to water scarcity and drought
  • Data (availability, standards, levels, gaps, in situ)
  • Remote sensing imagery, indices and other geospatial analysis
  • Identifiers, parameters, important variables and their possible interplay
  • Methods, models (applicability, transferability, use cases),
  • Monitoring water demand and use, virtual water
  • Water scarcity or drought impact prediction
  • Spin-off technologies
  • Identifying and closing the (most pressing) gaps including those in SDG 6 reporting
  • Global versus regional approaches for solutions and transferability of assessment and models
  • Regional Focus: Water scarce regions (arid and semi-arid)
  • Capacity building (gaps and needs)

3. Space and water quality

In 2017, 71% of the global population (5.3 billion people) used a safely managed drinking-water service - that is, one located on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination. 785 million people lack even a basic drinking-water service, including 144 million people who are dependent on surface water (WHO, 2020). Furthermore, water quality is a key ingredient to maintaining biodiversity and overall, for sustainable ecosystems and habitats.

Water quality can be measured from space due to specific reflectance characteristics, based on the optical scattering and absorbing properties of their active constituents. These are directly or indirectly related to relevant water quality parameters (indicator) such as turbidity and suspended matter, phytoplankton and its main pigment chlorophyll, detritus, salinity, total phosphorus (TP), Temperature, pH and dissolved coloured organic matter. With the knowledge of their optical characteristics, it is possible to retrieve quantitative values of the concentrations for these water constituents, solely based on the reflectance of light measured by satellite sensors. Different sensors mounted on satellites and other platforms, such as airplanes, measure the reflection of electromagnetic waves by the water's surface (UNSPIDER, 2020 and Graf, 2020).

Technical presentations in this session should cover the methods, tools, variables, observable parameters and data related to water quality monitoring from space, as well as on the ground. Data on the ground is important due to the need for training and validation/verification data, to test new models of space-based water-quality assessment. Themes of the presentation can include, but are not limited to

  • Water quality indicators / parameters / variables - in situ and EO based)
  • Data (availability, standards, level, analysis ready)
  • Sensor suitability and water body characteristics (wetlands, rivers, lakes, etc.), capacity and limitations in technology and assessment
  • Local specificities and the relation to regional or global models, transferability and reuse of methods and model
  • Interdependence of water scarcity and quality, water quality levels per use (drinking water, agriculture, aquaculture, aquatic freshwater ecosystems and wetlands, etc.), water reuse
  • Space-based spin-off technologies for water safety
  • Satellite communication for IoT-based solutions
  • Space-based technology for WASH (water quality dimension water filtration, faecal sludge management, pipe leak detection, including in informal settlements)
  • Pollution (sources of, and their space-based detection)
  • Analysis of the actual correlation between chlorophyll-a and dissolved phosphorous or nitrogen
  • Novel use cases for existing satellite sensor's data or user needs in terms of sensor design
  • Coordination of in situ data collection (to train, verify and test space-based datasets)
  • Assessment of national and regional capacities, gaps and capacity building needs
  • Case studies

4. Space, water and health

Globally, at least 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with faeces. Contaminated water can transmit diseases such diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio. Contaminated drinking water is estimated to cause 485.000 diarrhoeal deaths each year. By 2025, half of the world's population will be living in water-stressed areas. In least developed countries, 22% of health care facilities have no water service, 21% no sanitation service, and 22% no waste management service (WHO, 2020). Climate change will cause an additional 250,000 deaths from infectious diseases, including water-borne diseases, in the year 2030 (WHO, 2017).

For cholera, a study from NASA has shown how using precipitation data can help assess the risk of outbreaks (NASA, 2020). But, according to Colwell (2020), what is very much needed besides space-based data is to obtain ground truth measurements, with water samples collected at the time of high risk of cholera, to correlate the presence of cholera bacteria with the agent causing outbreaks. This requires cooperation with meteorological departments of countries concerned to provide data on water, weather, and climate. Technical Presentations in this session on space-technologies contribution to the water-health nexus could cover, but are not limited to, the following themes:

  • Datasets/sensors used when analysing water-borne or water - related disease
  • Methods of assessment
  • Remote sensing imagery, indices and other geospatial analysis
  • Predicting risk of disease outbreak
  • Models to monitor cholera, zika, malaria, and other diseases that are vector transmitted
  • Tools, data and gaps in space-based information for water-related disease
  • Data standards
  • Coordinated approaches to collect ground-truth / in situ data
  • Spin-off filtering technology and observed health benefits
  • Case studies covering how space technology can support the study of water related or water-borne disease such as malaria, cholera, dengue fever, diarrhoea, typhoid, amebiasis
  • Preventing, mitigating, or reacting to health threats
  • Capacity building needs in space technologies for water-related health topics
  • Case studies

5. Space-based assessment - monitoring of groundwater resources

Groundwater accounts for 30% of Earth's freshwater resources provides for about 36% of potable water, 42% of irrigation water, and 24% of industrial water - indicating its significant value. It provides for better protection against drought and microbiological contamination than surface waters. However, a global groundwater depletion in recent years threats global water security, agriculture, energy production and global peace.

Space-based methods for monitoring groundwater, ranging from remote sensing to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for positioning, provide a rapid and cost-effective tool for detecting, extracting, conserving, and testing the vulnerability of groundwater across space and time. Technical presentations in this session can cover, but are not limited to, the following themes:

    • Remote sensing imagery, indices and other geospatial analysis
    • Multi-spectral Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) and spatial Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data, radar technology and thermal surveys.
    • Monitoring groundwater influencing factors (indirect hydrogeological information, obtaining data on factors such as geology, geomorphology, drainage patterns, vegetation, and land use
    • Thematic maps to delineate groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) and monitor groundwater vulnerability
    • Indirectly measuring evapotranspiration
    • Microwave remote sensing to measure soil moisture, and estimate groundwater levels at shallow depths
    • Subsidence
    • Assessment methods based on GRACE and GRACE-FO mission data
    • Relevant in situ data / availability / data exchange and coordinated collection of in situ data
    • Data standards
    • Possibilities and limitations of transfer learning / using / adapting models from one area to another

1stspaceconference

2018

United Nations / Pakistan / PSIPW / ISNET

4th International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management

hosted by 
the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on behalf of the Government of Pakistan

26 February-2 March 2018, Islamabad,Pakistan

logostrip pakistan

1. RATIONALE AND CONTEXT

This was the fourth international event focusing on water-related aspects of space technology applications in the series of conferences organised in co-operation with, and with financial assistance of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW). This conference was also co-sponsored by the Inter-Islamic network on Space Sciences & technology (ISNET). The first such event, the United Nations/UNESCO/Saudi Arabia International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management, took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2008, the second conference was organized in March 2011 in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the third one in Rabat, Morocco in April 2014.


2. CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

Space technologies, including satellite remote sensing technology in particular, have demonstrated proven capabilities in meeting challenges of water resource management, as rapid population growth and development pressures continue to impose additional stresses on scarce resources. Continuous Earth observations from space are crucial to manage water resources for the benefit of humankind and the environment, as well as to provide important forecasting services to prevent water-related disasters such as floods and droughts.

Remote sensing satellites provide data on several key water-related variables (for example, rainfall, precipitations, floods, droughts, water storage, soil moisture and evaporation) using spatial and temporal scales that are appropriate for reliable assessment. A satellite-based approach to assessment and management of water resources is especially important in countries and regions of the world where adequate hydrological networks do not exist.

Starting with its session in 2004, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) began to consider matters related to the use of space-related technology in water resource management. The Committee noted that in response to the deepening water crisis, space technology could contribute to a better water resource management by providing data and information on the availability of water resources and water use. The Committee also noted that once converted into practical information, scientific data on water resources provided by satellites could be used to formulate policy and implement programmes at the national, regional and international levels, including those of the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and other entities of the United Nations system.

Furthermore, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs was preparing for UNISPACE +50, which took place in June 2018 (see http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/unispaceplus50/index.html ), with the intent of defining a Space2030 vision in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, the importance of considering how space technologies and related applications can support the implementation of those SDGs and agreements was even higher than usual.

The discussions, findings and recommendations of this Conference were important in implementing the priority roadmaps on health and resilient societies, towards Space2030.

The Conference not only addressed the above-mentioned issues, but also identified gaps, and discussed how space technology can contribute to better management of water resources in general, as well as specific issues such as mountain region-specific water challenges, combating desertification, water storage, floods and drought monitoring, ensuring access to safe drinking water and managing water-related emergencies in developing countries. The following primary objectives were identified:

  • To enhance capabilities of countries in the use of space-related technologies, applications, services and information for identifying, managing and monitoring water resources; 
  • To strengthen international and regional cooperation in this area; 
  • To raise awareness among decision-makers, research and academic communities on space technology applications in addressing water-related issues, primarily in developing countries; 
  • To promote educational and public awareness initiatives in the area of water resources management, as well as to contribute into any capacity building efforts in this area;
  • To consider and review new or emerging technologies and approaches in this domain; 
  • To contribute to the Space2030 implementation roadmaps on health and resilient societies

The discussions at the Conference were focused on contributing towards the June 2018 UNISPACE+50 and its outcomes, an event that marks the fiftieth anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space held in 1968.


3. CONFERENCE PROGRAMME AND OUTCOMES

The Conference was composed of a series of technical presentations with sufficient time set aside for discussions. Technical sessions were followed by open discussions, which focused on specific topics of interest and provided additional opportunities for participants to voice their opinions.

The programme of the Conference also included technical sessions addressing among others the following themes:

Opening Session: International Initiatives Integrating Space Technologies in Water Resource Management;

Session 1: Space Applications for Water Security and Risk Management;

Session 2: Using Space Technologies to Address Water Challenges in Mountain Regions;

Session 3: Geospatial Information in Water Resource Management;

Session 4: Capacity Building and Cooperation Initiatives;

Session 5: Case studies presentations.

Presentations at the above technical included the following topics:

  • Applications of space technologies that provide cost-effective solutions and essential information for planning and implementation of programmes or projects to enhance management, protection and restoration of water resources.
  • Use of space-related technologies in mitigating water-related emergencies, in addressing mountain region-specific challenges, water storage or in providing safe drinking water combating desertification as well as floods and droughts monitoring.
  • Capacity building in water management, including development of human resources, establishing technical infrastructures and legal frameworks, and access to financial resources.
  • Education and training required for various target groups on using space technologies for addressing water-related challenges, as well as public awareness initiatives in this area.
  • International, regional and national initiatives and international and inter-regional cooperation.
  • Case studies on successful applications of space technologies for enhancing water resources management in developing countries.

The Conference discussions addressed ways of expanding the use of space technologies and information/data for better water resources management, as well as identifying the priority areas where pilot projects could be launched, and considering possible partnerships that could be established.

 pakistan conference long

2014

United Nations / Morocco / PSIPW / ESA / ISNET / GEO

3rd International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management

hosted by 
The Royal Center for Remote Sensing (CRTS)

1-4 April 2014, Rabat, Morocco

at the facilities of the Royal Center for Remote Sensing

Download Program (PDF)

Download the Working Groups' Report (PDF)

Watch News Coverage (Arabic)

Organizers:

logostrip_3rd conference2

Information:

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), the Government of Morocco and the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW)  jointly co-organized the Conference to promote the use of space technology for the benefit of the developing countries.

The third Conference was held in Rabat, Morocco, from 1 to 4 April 2014. It was hosted by the Royal Center for Remote Sensing (CRTS) on behalf of the Government of Morocco and co-sponsored by European Space Agency (ESA), the Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET), and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO).

The Conference was the third international event focusing on water-related issues in the series of meetings organised in co-operation with, and with financial assistance of, the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW). The first UN/UNESCO/Saudi Arabia International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2008, and the second UN/Argentina meeting was held in March 2011 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Background and objectives:

Space technologies, including satellite remote sensing technology in particular, have demonstrated proven capabilities in meeting challenges of water resource management, as rapid population growth and development pressures continue to impose additional stresses on scarce resources. Continuous Earth observations from space are crucial to manage water resources for the benefit of mankind and the environment, as well as to provide important forecasting services to prevent water-related disasters such as floods and droughts.

Remote sensing satellites provide data on several key water-related variables (for example, rainfall, precipitations, water storage, soil moisture and evaporation) using spatial and temporal scales that are appropriate for reliable assessment. A satellite-based approach to assessment and management of water resources is especially important in countries and regions of the world where adequate hydrological networks do not exist.

Starting with its session in 2004, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) began to consider matters related to the use of space-related technology in water resource management. The Committee noted that in response to the deepening water crisis, space technology could contribute to a better water resource management by providing data and information on the availability of water resources and water use. The Committee also noted that once converted into practical information, scientific data on water resources provided by satellites could be used to formulate policy and implement programmes at the national, regional and international levels, including those of the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and other entities of the United Nations system.

The Conference addressed these issues, and discusses how space technology can contribute to the better management of water resources. Space technology can help in combating desertification, ensuring access to safe drinking water and managing water-related emergencies in developing countries

The Conference had the following primary objectives:

  1. To enhance capabilities of countries in the use of space-related technologies, applications, services and information for identifying and managing water resources;
  2. To strengthen international and regional cooperation in this area;
  3. To increase awareness among decision-makers and research and academic community of space technology applications for addressing water-related issues, primarily in developing countries;
  4. To promote educational and public awareness initiatives in the area of water resources management, as well as to contribute into capacity building process in this area.

Programme:

The programme of the Conference included technical sessions addressing the following themes:

Special Session: Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water

The session includes former Prizewinner Dr. Abdelkader Larabi discussing the use of space technology to study and manage the endemic problem of saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers.

Session 1: Space application for Water Productivity and Economy.

The session will present and discuss good practices of use of satellite applications and innovative technologies by government, scientists and value added companies working on water resources management.

Session 2: International Initiatives to Integrate Space Technologies in Water Resource Management.

Session 3: Space Applications for Water Security and Risk Management.

The session will focus on the operational programmes and case studies where Earth observation data and space tools were developed for assessment and mitigation of risks and disasters related to water.

Session 4: Geospatial Information for Ground Water Resources Management.

The session will focus on integration of geospatial information and the role of geodata infrastructures for evaluation, exploration and exploitation of groundwater resources.

Session 5: Capacity Building and Cooperation Initiatives.

The session will discuss the ways to develop capacity and national competencies for an efficient use of space technologies, as well as will identify cooperation opportunities for national capacity building activities.

Presentations at the above technical sessions covered a number of topics, inducing:

  1. Applications of space technologies that provide cost-effective solutions and essential information for planning and implementation of programmes or projects to enhance management, protection and restoration of water resources.
  2. Use of space-related technologies in mitigating water-related emergencies, providing safe drinking water and combating desertification.
  3. Capacity building in water management, including development of human resources, establishing technical infrastructures and legal frameworks, and access to financial resources.
  4. Education and training required for various target groups on using space technologies for addressing water-related challenges, as well as public awareness initiatives in this area.
  5. International, regional and national initiatives and international and inter-regional cooperation.
  6. Case studies on successful applications of space technologies for enhancing water resources management in developing countries.

 

The Conference discussions considered ways of expanding the use of space technologies and information/data for better water resources management, as well as  identifying the priority areas where pilot projects could be launched and examined possible partnerships that could be established.

2011

United Nations / Argentina / PSIPW / ESA

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

hosted by
Argentine Space Agency (ASA)

14-18 March 2011, Buenos Aires, Argentina

at the facilities of the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Organizers:
logostrip_2nd conference2

Goals of the Conference:

The 2nd International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management, organized by the UN Programme on Space Applications in cooperation with European Space Agency (ESA) and Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW), was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 14 to 18 March 2011. The meeting was hosted by the Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE) on behalf of the Government of Argentina.

As a successor to the conference held in 2008 in Saudi Arabia, the conference furthered discussions on how space technology can be applied to more effectively manage the world's water resources.

Space technologies, including satellite remote sensing technology in particular, have demonstrated proven capabilities in meeting challenges of water resource management, as rapid population growth and development pressures continue to impose additional stresses on scarce resources. Continuous Earth observations from space are crucial to manage water resources for the benefit of mankind and the environment, as well as to provide important forecasting services to prevent water-related disasters such as floods and droughts.

Remote sensing satellites provide data on several key water-related variables (for example, rainfall, precipitations, water storage, soil moisture and evaporation) using spatial and temporal scales that are appropriate for reliable assessment. A satellite-based approach to assessment and management of water resources is especially important in countries and regions of the world where adequate hydrological networks do not exist.

Earth observation from space, complimented with other applications, is a cost-effective method for effective management of resources and providing essential data to decision- makers. Once converted into practical information, these data on water resources provided by satellites could be used to formulate policy and implement programmes at the national, regional and international levels, including those of the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and other entities of the United Nations system.

The Conference addressed these issues, and discussed how space technology can contribute in better management of water resources, including combating desertification, ensuring access to safe drinking water and managing water-related emergencies in developing countries, with the following primary objectives:

  1. To enhance capabilities of countries in the use of space-related technologies, applications, services and information for identifying and managing water resources;
  2. To strengthen international and regional cooperation in this area;
  3. To increase awareness among decision-makers and research and academic community of space technology applications for addressing water-related issues, primarily in developing countries;
  4. To promote educational and public awareness initiatives in the area of water resources management, as well as to contribute into capacity building process in this area.

 

Overall, 43 oral presentations were delivered during four-day course of the technical sessions, and 6 papers were submitted for a poster session. Technical sessions were followed by meetings of two Working Groups which were established to prepare observations and recommendations of the Conference, as well as to develop proposals for follow up projects and to examine possible partnerships that could be launched.

1

2008

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.

1stspaceconference