GROUNDWATER CLINIC HOW TO MAKE VISIBLE THE INVISIBLE?

GROUNDWATER IS AN INVISIBLE RESOURCES Outcrop of the Chalk Aquifer in theThames Basin

AQUIFERS CONTAIN THE LARGEST QUANTITY OF FRESH WATER GROUNDWATER SUPPLIES ALMOST HALF OF ALL DRINKING WATER IN THE WORLD GROUNDWATER IS CRUCIAL TO SUPPORT FOOD PRODUCTION Agriculture is currently the largest user at the global level ADAPTATION MEASURES TO CLIMATE CHANGE Rivers and Lakes 1.2 % Together with regional hydrogeologists, IGRAC is working on assessment of transboundary aquifers. The results are stored in the Global Groundwater Information System. GGIS shows delineation of the aquifers and the main aquifer attributes. It has two basic functions: to overview and compare, by browsing and searching.

Understanding groundwater Nnnmmmm mmmn Groundwater and surface water are inextricably related through the hydrologic (or water) cycle. Extracting groundwater can impact surface water resources and vice versa. Historically, groundwater and surface water have been treated as separate entities. However, in times of drought and water scarcity, understanding and managing the interconnection between groundwater and surface water has become more important

UNESCO IHP TBA INVENTORY 592 Transboundary Aquifers 366 outside European Union only 6 agreements Franco-Swiss Genevese aquifer system North Western Sahara aquifer system Al-Sag/Al-Disi aquifer system Iullemeden aquifer system Nubian Sandstone aquifer system Guarani aquifer system

Initial results of the first reporting on SDG6.5.2 107 country responses by March 2018 (out of 153 countries sharing transboundary waters) 1st time countries submitted such information High level of responses: 70% of countries sharing transboundary waters responded Quality of reports: indicator 6.5.2 calculation available for 60% of the responses 95% of the Parties to Water Convention submitted a report Unique insight into current status of transboundary water cooperation 70% response rate Indicator 6.5.2 available for 62 countries (transboundary river & lake basins and aquifers) 87 countries provided accurate data for transboundary river & lake basins, and 64 countries for transboundary aquifers 38 out of 40 Parties under the Water Convention While many arrangements covering rivers and lakes either explicitly or implicitly reference groundwater, arrangements that sufficiently address transboundary aquifer management are lacking - exceptions include the arrangements relating to the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System and the Northwest Sahara Aquifer System.

GROUNDWATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT a vital role in creating/sustaining ecosystems

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