Water scarcity

"Occurs when the freshwater demands linked to specific social, economic and environmental needs of a community exceed the available water supply." (United Nations Publications, 2013)

Sources

United Nations Publications. "Glossary of Shared Water Resources (English-Arabic): Technical, Socioeconomic and Legal Terminology." (2013). DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.18356/70b462ce-en

Related Content

Article

Interview with Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Interview with Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

measurement in lake
Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information System, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan discussed his extensive work in addressing water-related challenges through the nexus between smart sensing and space technologies. His thematic focus spans water scarcity, food security, climate risks, and environmental monitoring with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region, including Pakistan and China. Key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guiding his work include SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG13 (Climate Action), SDG15 (Life on Land), and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).  Abbas's passion for water emerged during his early career at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), where he was involved in Pakistan’s Wetland Program and witnessed the impact of water on associated ecosystems. This sparked his interest in understanding and managing water, forestry, and wildlife resources. He recently studied coastal ecosystems and their responses to climate and anthropogenic stressors in the Asia-Pacific region. The Living Indus – Investing in Ecological Restoration has become a new focus of interest for him, addressing sustainability challenges related to food security, river basin management, and efficient water use in alignment with the UN Decade of Ocean objectives.  Abbas shared his fascination with water, recognizing its complex and essential nature. He is captivated by its beauty in all forms and acknowledges its fundamental importance for life on Earth. This water connection further motivates his commitment to addressing global water challenges and promoting sustainable water use through innovative solutions.  Sawaid Abbas's work, stimulated by both professional commitment and personal fascination, stresses the critical role of space technologies, particularly earth observation, smart sensing nexus, and artificial intelligence in addressing water-related challenges. His research contributes to the development of innovative solutions for sustainable water use, environmental protection, and disaster response, aligning with global goals for a more resilient and water-secure future. 
Read More

Interview with Nivin Hasan, Technical Advisor-Researcher, Royal Jordanian Geographic Centre

Interview with Nivin Hasan, Technical Advisor-Researcher, Royal Jordanian Geographic Centre

Photo of Nivin Hasan with her team in the field
Dr. Nivin Hasan discusses her pioneering work in space technology and water resource management, emphasising the role of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) in addressing climate challenges in Jordan and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She highlights her research on drought assessment in the Amman-Zarqa Basin using satellite data and machine learning, underscoring the need for innovative solutions in arid zones. As a Technical Advisor at Royal Jordanian Geographic Centre (RJGC), she oversees projects integrating geospatial analysis for sustainable groundwater management and disaster resilience. Her proudest achievements include leading Jordan’s first CANSAT project and receiving global recognition for empowering women in STEM. She identifies water scarcity, climate variability, and data gaps as critical challenges in arid regions and advocates for space-based monitoring systems to enhance mitigation strategies. Dr. Hasan encourages young women to pursue space science, stressing mentorship and perseverance. She calls for interdisciplinary collaboration and funding to drive innovation in environmental monitoring. When asked about her favourite aggregate state of water, she humorously notes its irrelevance to her research but acknowledges the symbolic importance of liquid water for life in arid landscapes.
Read More

Interview with Dr. Sherine Ahmed El Baradei

Interview with Dr. Sherine Ahmed El Baradei

Photo of Sherine El-Baradei
The following interview with Dr. Sherine Ahmed El Baradei is focusing on water quality and its relation to space technology. Water is the essence of life. Thus preservation of water quality is of a big concern to human health and to fauna and flora in water bodies. The interview explains what is water quality and what are water quality parameters of water bodies. Furthermore, the importance of using space technologies and applications in contributing to water quality monitoring and determination of hydraulic and hydrologic conditions is thoroughly discussed. For example, temporal resolution of satellites and their role in obtaining accurate imaging and data is clarified and the satellites concerned with water quality monitoring are pointed out. Considering the important role of groundwater in arid regions, the use of GRACE Mission data in Egypt is mentioned. Moreover, key influences on water quality in Egypt are discussed and the relation of water quality to water scarcity in the country and ways to preserve water quality is being discussed. Furthermore, the potential of space-based monitoring used to address water issues from hydrological to water resources issues in the country or region is pointed out. The challenges of the use of space technology for hydrology and water-related topics in the MENA region is also discussed. Light is shed on the project done by NASA to recycle astronauts’ waste into energy and power. Sustainability is of a great importance to or communities, and thus it is discussed how sustainable it is to build cities in the desert, or to divert water to where people are instead of moving people to existing water sources. Finally, a discussion about ways we can employ to improve awareness and capacity building on the use of space technology for water and challenges in this field are discussed.
Read More

Interview with Dr. Kamal Labbassi

Interview with Dr. Kamal Labbassi

Photo of Kamal Labbassi
The following interview with Dr. Kamal Labbassi, President of the African Association of Remote Sensing of the Environment (AARSE), focuses on the role of space technologies and Earth observation in water resource management, capacity building, and sustainable development in Africa. Water is a strategic and vital resource for the continent, particularly in regions affected by scarcity, climate change, floods, and droughts. Drawing on his long-standing experience in remote sensing, research, and policy advisory roles, Dr. Labassi explains how space technologies provide critical information on water availability, quality, and spatial distribution, supporting integrated and evidence-based water management. The interview highlights his early engagement with the ESA-led TIGER initiative, which pioneered the use of Earth observation for water management in Africa through networking, training, and free data access, and discusses lessons learned from continental programs such as GMES and Africa. The importance of capacity building and user-driven approaches is emphasized, particularly the need to identify stakeholder needs across the full water management chain and to foster inclusive, non-fiscal incentives for knowledge sharing and community building. The work and achievements of AARSE are outlined, including its role in awareness raising, training, international cooperation, and policy support across Africa. The interview further explores regional experiences, especially from the Sahel, where satellite-based monitoring and early warning systems for droughts and floods offer valuable lessons despite ongoing challenges related to infrastructure, data access, political stability, and human capacity. Dr. Labassi also reflects on Africa’s space policy and strategy, underscoring the importance of Earth observation and geospatial information for environmental monitoring and natural resource management across a vast and diverse continent, as well as the coordinating role of the African Space Agency. International cooperation initiatives, such as the Digital Belt and Road program, are discussed with a focus on water-related research using big Earth data. The interview concludes by highlighting recent advances in space technologies for water, remaining gaps in the global debate – particularly around equitable data access, capacity building, and interdisciplinary collaboration – and the central role of science and cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to water, climate action, and ecosystem preservation.
Read More

Urban Water Scarcity: How data from NASA’s GRACE-FO Mission can be used for (near) real time water management

Urban Water Scarcity: How data from NASA’s GRACE-FO Mission can be used for (near) real time water management

Drought affected Cities
As population becomes larger the demand for water soars, including water needed for domestic, industrial and municipal uses (Mogelgaard 2011). One example of that, is India, where on 20 June 2019 the city of Chennai almost run out of water. Satellite images show the extent of the water shortage in the city (figure 1). While people are queuing up to get water from water trucks that transfer water to the city, the greatest struggle is taking place in the city’s municipal buildings and businesses. Hospitals are facing the threat of not having enough water to treat patients and to clean equipment, and businesses are forced to shut down and wait until the crisis is over.
Read More

Hydro-diplomacy: The role of space-derived data in advancing water security

Hydro-diplomacy: The role of space-derived data in advancing water security

Tarbela Dam, Pakistan – part of the Indus Basin Project that resulted from the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan. Source: NASA

Water scarcity is one of the greatest threats faced by humanity of our time – in 2019, more than two billion people experience high water stress (UN-Water 2019) and approximately four billion people suffer from severe water scarcity for at least one month per year (Mekonnen and Hoekstra 2016). This worsening problem increases the risk of international conflict over water resources breaking out, given that there are over 270 transboundary river basins, and three-quarters of UN Member States share at least one river or lake basin with a neighbour (UN News 2017).

Read More

Escasez urbana de agua: cómo pueden utilizarse los datos de la misión GRACE-FO de la NASA para la gestión del agua (casi) en tiempo real

Escasez urbana de agua: cómo pueden utilizarse los datos de la misión GRACE-FO de la NASA para la gestión del agua (casi) en tiempo real

Drought affected Cities
As population becomes larger the demand for water soars, including water needed for domestic, industrial and municipal uses (Mogelgaard 2011). One example of that, is India, where on 20 June 2019 the city of Chennai almost run out of water. Satellite images show the extent of the water shortage in the city (figure 1). While people are queuing up to get water from water trucks that transfer water to the city, the greatest struggle is taking place in the city’s municipal buildings and businesses. Hospitals are facing the threat of not having enough water to treat patients and to clean equipment, and businesses are forced to shut down and wait until the crisis is over.
Read More

Urban Water Scarcity: How data from NASA’s GRACE-FO Mission can be used for (near) real time water management

Urban Water Scarcity: How data from NASA’s GRACE-FO Mission can be used for (near) real time water management

Drought affected Cities
As population becomes larger the demand for water soars, including water needed for domestic, industrial and municipal uses (Mogelgaard 2011). One example of that, is India, where on 20 June 2019 the city of Chennai almost run out of water. Satellite images show the extent of the water shortage in the city (figure 1). While people are queuing up to get water from water trucks that transfer water to the city, the greatest struggle is taking place in the city’s municipal buildings and businesses. Hospitals are facing the threat of not having enough water to treat patients and to clean equipment, and businesses are forced to shut down and wait until the crisis is over.
Read More

Hidro-diplomacia: el papel de los datos obtenidos desde el espacio en el avance de la seguridad hídrica

Pénuries d'Eau en Milieu Urbain : Comment les Données de la Mission GRACE-FO de la NASA Peuvent-Elles Soutenir la Gestion de l'Eau en Temps Quasi-Réel ?

Pénuries d'Eau en Milieu Urbain : Comment les Données de la Mission GRACE-FO de la NASA Peuvent-Elles Soutenir la Gestion de l'Eau en Temps Quasi-Réel ?

Drought affected Cities
Plus la population augmente, plus la demande en eau augmente, notamment l'eau nécessaire aux usages domestiques, industriels et municipaux (Mogelgaard 2011). L'Inde en est un bon exemple : le 20 juin 2019, la ville de Chennai a failli manquer d'eau. Des images satellites ont montré l'ampleur de la pénurie d'eau dans la ville (schéma 1). Alors que les habitants faisaient la queue pour de l'eau stockée dans des camions-citernes qui la rendaient disponible dans la ville, le véritable défi de gestion concernait les bâtiments municipaux et les entreprises de la ville. La pénurie d´eau a gravement affecté la capacité des hôpitaux à soigner les patients et à nettoyer les équipements, et a contraint les entreprises à fermer leurs portes jusqu'à la fin de la crise.
Read More

United Nations/Ghana/PSIPW - 5th International conference on the use of space technology for water resources management

United Nations/Ghana/PSIPW - 5th International conference on the use of space technology for water resources management

Event Banner

From 10 to 13 May 2022, the United Nations Officer for Outer Space Affairs organized the 5th International conference on the use of space technology for water resources management. The conference was hosted in a hybrid format in Accra, Ghana, by the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani on behalf of the Government of Ghana. The event was attended by several senior government representatives of the host country including Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, the Honorary Minister of Education Dr.

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Urban Water Scarcity: How data from NASA’s GRACE-FO Mission can be used for (near) real time water management

Urban Water Scarcity: How data from NASA’s GRACE-FO Mission can be used for (near) real time water management

Drought affected Cities
As population becomes larger the demand for water soars, including water needed for domestic, industrial and municipal uses (Mogelgaard 2011). One example of that, is India, where on 20 June 2019 the city of Chennai almost run out of water. Satellite images show the extent of the water shortage in the city (figure 1). While people are queuing up to get water from water trucks that transfer water to the city, the greatest struggle is taking place in the city’s municipal buildings and businesses. Hospitals are facing the threat of not having enough water to treat patients and to clean equipment, and businesses are forced to shut down and wait until the crisis is over.
Read More

The use of space-based technology and data for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus

The use of space-based technology and data for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus

Agricultural field and blue skies with some clouds
The article discusses the use of space technology for the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus. The nexus was formed to address issues surrounding the increasing demand for water, energy and food. Drivers of the nexus are, for example, an increasing population, urbanisation and economic development. The article aims to demonstrate the inclusive solutions and initiatives from organisations such as United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Group on Earth Observations (GEO). Globally available data for the nexus and especially data from satellite remote sensing are discussed. Several case studies for finding solutions related to the nexus are examined. The case studies discuss hydrological modelling, water scarcity, irrigation practices and crop monitoring. The Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model dataset and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument are used in these case studies. Satellite remote sensing products for the example case of the variable soil moisture are examined. Some of the leading missions for soil moisture are National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) and European Space Agency (ESA) Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS). The article mentions NASA Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) missions, as well as ESA Climate Change Initiative (CCI) programme. Future work aims at an integrated approach and at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Hydro-Diplomatie: Le Rôle des Données Spatiales dans la Promotion de la Sécurité de l'Eau

Pénuries d'Eau en Milieu Urbain : Comment les Données de la Mission GRACE-FO de la NASA Peuvent-Elles Soutenir la Gestion de l'Eau en Temps Quasi-Réel ?

Pénuries d'Eau en Milieu Urbain : Comment les Données de la Mission GRACE-FO de la NASA Peuvent-Elles Soutenir la Gestion de l'Eau en Temps Quasi-Réel ?

Drought affected Cities
Plus la population augmente, plus la demande en eau augmente, notamment l'eau nécessaire aux usages domestiques, industriels et municipaux (Mogelgaard 2011). L'Inde en est un bon exemple : le 20 juin 2019, la ville de Chennai a failli manquer d'eau. Des images satellites ont montré l'ampleur de la pénurie d'eau dans la ville (schéma 1). Alors que les habitants faisaient la queue pour de l'eau stockée dans des camions-citernes qui la rendaient disponible dans la ville, le véritable défi de gestion concernait les bâtiments municipaux et les entreprises de la ville. La pénurie d´eau a gravement affecté la capacité des hôpitaux à soigner les patients et à nettoyer les équipements, et a contraint les entreprises à fermer leurs portes jusqu'à la fin de la crise.
Read More

Escasez urbana de agua: cómo pueden utilizarse los datos de la misión GRACE-FO de la NASA para la gestión del agua (casi) en tiempo real

Escasez urbana de agua: cómo pueden utilizarse los datos de la misión GRACE-FO de la NASA para la gestión del agua (casi) en tiempo real

Drought affected Cities
As population becomes larger the demand for water soars, including water needed for domestic, industrial and municipal uses (Mogelgaard 2011). One example of that, is India, where on 20 June 2019 the city of Chennai almost run out of water. Satellite images show the extent of the water shortage in the city (figure 1). While people are queuing up to get water from water trucks that transfer water to the city, the greatest struggle is taking place in the city’s municipal buildings and businesses. Hospitals are facing the threat of not having enough water to treat patients and to clean equipment, and businesses are forced to shut down and wait until the crisis is over.
Read More

Гидродипломатия: роль космических данных в продвижении водной безопасности

Pénuries d'Eau en Milieu Urbain : Comment les Données de la Mission GRACE-FO de la NASA Peuvent-Elles Soutenir la Gestion de l'Eau en Temps Quasi-Réel ?

Pénuries d'Eau en Milieu Urbain : Comment les Données de la Mission GRACE-FO de la NASA Peuvent-Elles Soutenir la Gestion de l'Eau en Temps Quasi-Réel ?

Drought affected Cities
Plus la population augmente, plus la demande en eau augmente, notamment l'eau nécessaire aux usages domestiques, industriels et municipaux (Mogelgaard 2011). L'Inde en est un bon exemple : le 20 juin 2019, la ville de Chennai a failli manquer d'eau. Des images satellites ont montré l'ampleur de la pénurie d'eau dans la ville (schéma 1). Alors que les habitants faisaient la queue pour de l'eau stockée dans des camions-citernes qui la rendaient disponible dans la ville, le véritable défi de gestion concernait les bâtiments municipaux et les entreprises de la ville. La pénurie d´eau a gravement affecté la capacité des hôpitaux à soigner les patients et à nettoyer les équipements, et a contraint les entreprises à fermer leurs portes jusqu'à la fin de la crise.
Read More

Escasez urbana de agua: cómo pueden utilizarse los datos de la misión GRACE-FO de la NASA para la gestión del agua (casi) en tiempo real

Escasez urbana de agua: cómo pueden utilizarse los datos de la misión GRACE-FO de la NASA para la gestión del agua (casi) en tiempo real

Drought affected Cities
As population becomes larger the demand for water soars, including water needed for domestic, industrial and municipal uses (Mogelgaard 2011). One example of that, is India, where on 20 June 2019 the city of Chennai almost run out of water. Satellite images show the extent of the water shortage in the city (figure 1). While people are queuing up to get water from water trucks that transfer water to the city, the greatest struggle is taking place in the city’s municipal buildings and businesses. Hospitals are facing the threat of not having enough water to treat patients and to clean equipment, and businesses are forced to shut down and wait until the crisis is over.
Read More

Interview with Melody Lepine, Director at the Mikisew Cree First Nation Government and Industry Relations

Interview with Nokubonga Mazibuko, Commissioner at the Commission on Khoi-San Matters, South Africa

Interview with Nokubonga Mazibuko, Commissioner at the Commission on Khoi-San Matters, South Africa

Photo of tap in front of dry soil and building

Disclaimer!

I should note that this interview does not aim to compare the San women of Platfontein with the Zulu women from Folweni as these are totally different communities. Also, as much as I am a Commissioner, this interview is not done on behalf of the Commission on Khoi-San Matters (CKSM) but on my personal capacity as a researcher and academic who has an interest on issues pertaining to women.

Read More

Interview with Dr. Kamal Labbassi

Interview with Dr. Kamal Labbassi

Photo of Kamal Labbassi
The following interview with Dr. Kamal Labbassi, President of the African Association of Remote Sensing of the Environment (AARSE), focuses on the role of space technologies and Earth observation in water resource management, capacity building, and sustainable development in Africa. Water is a strategic and vital resource for the continent, particularly in regions affected by scarcity, climate change, floods, and droughts. Drawing on his long-standing experience in remote sensing, research, and policy advisory roles, Dr. Labassi explains how space technologies provide critical information on water availability, quality, and spatial distribution, supporting integrated and evidence-based water management. The interview highlights his early engagement with the ESA-led TIGER initiative, which pioneered the use of Earth observation for water management in Africa through networking, training, and free data access, and discusses lessons learned from continental programs such as GMES and Africa. The importance of capacity building and user-driven approaches is emphasized, particularly the need to identify stakeholder needs across the full water management chain and to foster inclusive, non-fiscal incentives for knowledge sharing and community building. The work and achievements of AARSE are outlined, including its role in awareness raising, training, international cooperation, and policy support across Africa. The interview further explores regional experiences, especially from the Sahel, where satellite-based monitoring and early warning systems for droughts and floods offer valuable lessons despite ongoing challenges related to infrastructure, data access, political stability, and human capacity. Dr. Labassi also reflects on Africa’s space policy and strategy, underscoring the importance of Earth observation and geospatial information for environmental monitoring and natural resource management across a vast and diverse continent, as well as the coordinating role of the African Space Agency. International cooperation initiatives, such as the Digital Belt and Road program, are discussed with a focus on water-related research using big Earth data. The interview concludes by highlighting recent advances in space technologies for water, remaining gaps in the global debate – particularly around equitable data access, capacity building, and interdisciplinary collaboration – and the central role of science and cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to water, climate action, and ecosystem preservation.
Read More

Interview with Lilian Nguracha Balanga, Founder of Women.conserve

Interview with Lilian Nguracha Balanga, Founder of Women.conserve

Samburu women collecting water from a water well

Short description of the Samburu community

The Samburu community is the Nilotic ethnic community of North Central Kenya. They dress in red shukas and adorn themselves with necklaces, bracelets and anklets mostly from beads. They believe in God Nkai, living in the mountains. They are nomadic are pastoralists, meaning that they keep animals (e.g., cows, goats, sheep and camel) which is their main source of livelihood as they get milk, meat and blood for self consumption and/or to be sold. They move from place to place in search of pasture and water.

Read More

Interview with Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Interview with Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

measurement in lake
Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information System, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan discussed his extensive work in addressing water-related challenges through the nexus between smart sensing and space technologies. His thematic focus spans water scarcity, food security, climate risks, and environmental monitoring with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region, including Pakistan and China. Key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guiding his work include SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG13 (Climate Action), SDG15 (Life on Land), and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).  Abbas's passion for water emerged during his early career at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), where he was involved in Pakistan’s Wetland Program and witnessed the impact of water on associated ecosystems. This sparked his interest in understanding and managing water, forestry, and wildlife resources. He recently studied coastal ecosystems and their responses to climate and anthropogenic stressors in the Asia-Pacific region. The Living Indus – Investing in Ecological Restoration has become a new focus of interest for him, addressing sustainability challenges related to food security, river basin management, and efficient water use in alignment with the UN Decade of Ocean objectives.  Abbas shared his fascination with water, recognizing its complex and essential nature. He is captivated by its beauty in all forms and acknowledges its fundamental importance for life on Earth. This water connection further motivates his commitment to addressing global water challenges and promoting sustainable water use through innovative solutions.  Sawaid Abbas's work, stimulated by both professional commitment and personal fascination, stresses the critical role of space technologies, particularly earth observation, smart sensing nexus, and artificial intelligence in addressing water-related challenges. His research contributes to the development of innovative solutions for sustainable water use, environmental protection, and disaster response, aligning with global goals for a more resilient and water-secure future. 
Read More

Interview with Tania Eulalia Martinez Cruz, Research Associate at Free University of Brussels

Interview with Nivin Hasan, Technical Advisor-Researcher, Royal Jordanian Geographic Centre

Interview with Nivin Hasan, Technical Advisor-Researcher, Royal Jordanian Geographic Centre

Photo of Nivin Hasan with her team in the field
Dr. Nivin Hasan discusses her pioneering work in space technology and water resource management, emphasising the role of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) in addressing climate challenges in Jordan and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She highlights her research on drought assessment in the Amman-Zarqa Basin using satellite data and machine learning, underscoring the need for innovative solutions in arid zones. As a Technical Advisor at Royal Jordanian Geographic Centre (RJGC), she oversees projects integrating geospatial analysis for sustainable groundwater management and disaster resilience. Her proudest achievements include leading Jordan’s first CANSAT project and receiving global recognition for empowering women in STEM. She identifies water scarcity, climate variability, and data gaps as critical challenges in arid regions and advocates for space-based monitoring systems to enhance mitigation strategies. Dr. Hasan encourages young women to pursue space science, stressing mentorship and perseverance. She calls for interdisciplinary collaboration and funding to drive innovation in environmental monitoring. When asked about her favourite aggregate state of water, she humorously notes its irrelevance to her research but acknowledges the symbolic importance of liquid water for life in arid landscapes.
Read More

Interview with Alicia Simón Sisimit, Kaqchikel Journalist and activist at DDASO Project

Interview with Alicia Simón Sisimit, Kaqchikel Journalist and activist at DDASO Project

DDASO project team conducting field work

Short description of the Kaqchikel community

The municipality of San José Poaquil was founded on November 1, 1891. It is located in the department of Chimaltenango with a territorial extension of approximately 100 km² and has almost 30 000 inhabitants. It is one of the 16 municipalities that make up the department of Chimaltenango. It is located in the west of the Republic of Guatemala at a distance of 101 kilometers from the Capital City and distance 47 kilometers from the Departmental Capital.

Read More

Interview with Dr. Sherine Ahmed El Baradei

Interview with Dr. Sherine Ahmed El Baradei

Photo of Sherine El-Baradei
The following interview with Dr. Sherine Ahmed El Baradei is focusing on water quality and its relation to space technology. Water is the essence of life. Thus preservation of water quality is of a big concern to human health and to fauna and flora in water bodies. The interview explains what is water quality and what are water quality parameters of water bodies. Furthermore, the importance of using space technologies and applications in contributing to water quality monitoring and determination of hydraulic and hydrologic conditions is thoroughly discussed. For example, temporal resolution of satellites and their role in obtaining accurate imaging and data is clarified and the satellites concerned with water quality monitoring are pointed out. Considering the important role of groundwater in arid regions, the use of GRACE Mission data in Egypt is mentioned. Moreover, key influences on water quality in Egypt are discussed and the relation of water quality to water scarcity in the country and ways to preserve water quality is being discussed. Furthermore, the potential of space-based monitoring used to address water issues from hydrological to water resources issues in the country or region is pointed out. The challenges of the use of space technology for hydrology and water-related topics in the MENA region is also discussed. Light is shed on the project done by NASA to recycle astronauts’ waste into energy and power. Sustainability is of a great importance to or communities, and thus it is discussed how sustainable it is to build cities in the desert, or to divert water to where people are instead of moving people to existing water sources. Finally, a discussion about ways we can employ to improve awareness and capacity building on the use of space technology for water and challenges in this field are discussed.
Read More

European Space Agency’s “Water Scarcity” Kick-Start

European Space Agency’s “Water Scarcity” Kick-Start

Article banner

The challenge

Water is one of the most important substances on Earth and covers 70% of the planet. However, freshwater makes up a very small fraction with 97% being saline and ocean-based. While the amount of freshwater on the planet has remained fairly constant over time, the world’s population has exploded, meaning that freshwater is threatened by significant forces, like overdevelopment, polluted runoff, and global warming. 

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Call for abstracts - United Nations/Costa Rica/PSIPW - Sixth conference on the use of space technology for water management

Interview with Tania Eulalia Martinez Cruz, Research Associate at Free University of Brussels

Interview with Alicia Simón Sisimit, Kaqchikel Journalist and activist at DDASO Project

Interview with Alicia Simón Sisimit, Kaqchikel Journalist and activist at DDASO Project

DDASO project team conducting field work

Short description of the Kaqchikel community

The municipality of San José Poaquil was founded on November 1, 1891. It is located in the department of Chimaltenango with a territorial extension of approximately 100 km² and has almost 30 000 inhabitants. It is one of the 16 municipalities that make up the department of Chimaltenango. It is located in the west of the Republic of Guatemala at a distance of 101 kilometers from the Capital City and distance 47 kilometers from the Departmental Capital.

Read More

Interview with Melody Lepine, Director at the Mikisew Cree First Nation Government and Industry Relations

Interview with Nokubonga Mazibuko, Commissioner at the Commission on Khoi-San Matters, South Africa

Interview with Nokubonga Mazibuko, Commissioner at the Commission on Khoi-San Matters, South Africa

Photo of tap in front of dry soil and building

Disclaimer!

I should note that this interview does not aim to compare the San women of Platfontein with the Zulu women from Folweni as these are totally different communities. Also, as much as I am a Commissioner, this interview is not done on behalf of the Commission on Khoi-San Matters (CKSM) but on my personal capacity as a researcher and academic who has an interest on issues pertaining to women.

Read More

Interview with Lilian Nguracha Balanga, Founder of Women.conserve

Interview with Lilian Nguracha Balanga, Founder of Women.conserve

Samburu women collecting water from a water well

Short description of the Samburu community

The Samburu community is the Nilotic ethnic community of North Central Kenya. They dress in red shukas and adorn themselves with necklaces, bracelets and anklets mostly from beads. They believe in God Nkai, living in the mountains. They are nomadic are pastoralists, meaning that they keep animals (e.g., cows, goats, sheep and camel) which is their main source of livelihood as they get milk, meat and blood for self consumption and/or to be sold. They move from place to place in search of pasture and water.

Read More

Event

International Water Summit Water Scarcity in a Changing World

United Nations/Costa Rica/PSIPW - Sixth conference on the use of space technology for water management

International Conference on Water Scarcity and Drought Management

Local Perspectives Case Studies

Small-holder farmers in northern Madagascar are disproportionately impacted by drought

Small-holder farmers in northern Madagascar are disproportionately impacted by drought

Photo of a meager cow in front of a tree
Madagascar is becoming increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and related disasters, namely drought, cyclones and flooding. While it is well-recognised that southern Madagascar has been suffering from drought for decades, it has not yet been properly acknowledged that northern Madagascar (The Diana region, Antsiranana and surrounding villages (e.g. Namakia)). Andranovondronina is also beginning to feel the impacts of drought. This is particularly affecting small-holder farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture for both food and income. The climate of northern Madagascar is typically categorised as "transition tropical", so the onset of drought could also have major implications for the rest of the island. Northern Madagascar used to have a 6-month dry season and a 6-month rainy season, but the length of the rainy season has reduced significantly in recent years and is now locally considered a "cyclone season". More people are relying on groundwater, which is often contaminated with bacteria and excrement, leading to an increase in water-borne diseases and illnesses.
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Samburu tribe lacks access to safe drinking water - Dry spells due to water scarcity

Samburu tribe lacks access to safe drinking water - Dry spells due to water scarcity

Samburu woman drinking (brownish) well water filtered through the fabric of her dress
The Samburu community in Kenya are pastoralists as they keep animals which is their main source of livelihood. They move from place to place in search of adequate pasture lands and water. Due to the recent dry spell, water sources are dry and there is no water. Both women and girls are walking long distances of about 20 kilometres per day to search for water. This search usually goes on from day until night. In order to save the water they bring back home, some women and girls bath wherever they find the water. The long journeys they partake on in search for and carrying water has impacted their wellbeing as some of them are suffering from backaches. In addition, the water they collect is not so clean to be suitable for drinking, but because they have no other options, they consume this water resulting in them suffering from water-related illnesses. School children have to bring their own water in one or two litre bottles from their homes to school because there is no water in school.
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The disappearance of Lake Ol’ Bolossat: a threat to biodiversity, livelihoods and water security in Central Kenya

The extraction of information on groundwater for a geographically small, water-scarce and groundwater reliant region

Water scarcity in Egypt’s arid regions

Water availability and management strategies for spring-dependent smallholder farms in southwest Kyrgyzstan

Water availability and management strategies for spring-dependent smallholder farms in southwest Kyrgyzstan

A view of the Khojabakirgan River flowing through the village of Layli in Leilek District, Kyrgyzstan. The river winds through a broad valley with scattered trees, farmland, and dry hills under a clear blue sky.
Water availability is a critical issue for smallholder farmers in Southwest Kyrgyzstan, where natural springs serve as the primary water source for irrigation, livestock, and household use. However, these springs are becoming increasingly unreliable due to climate change, land degradation, and inefficient management practices. Water-related challenges include: Seasonal and interannual fluctuations in spring discharge, leading to water shortages during dry periods. Climate change impacts, such as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, reducing groundwater recharge. Water loss due to inefficient infrastructure, including seepage and evaporation from open channels. Lack of monitoring and sustainable management strategies, leading to overuse and depletion of spring water resources. These challenges directly impact agricultural productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods, making it essential to develop adaptive water management strategies to optimize spring water use and ensure long-term sustainability. This research focuses on hydrological assessments, water conservation techniques, and community-based management approaches to improve water security for smallholder farmers in the region.
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Water scarcity and groundwater overextraction in Jordan: a growing crisis

Water scarcity and groundwater overextraction in Jordan: a growing crisis

Photo of cracks in dry soil. Creative commons by Domininka P. https://www.pexels.com/photo/heat-27286879/
Jordan’s water scarcity is primarily driven by overextraction of groundwater resources, inadequate rainfall, and inefficient water management practices. The country’s renewable water resources are estimated at less than 100 cubic meters per capita annually, far below the water poverty threshold of 500 cubic meters per capita. The overuse of aquifers, such as the Disi and Azraq aquifers, has led to water quality degradation and declining availability (Al-Zu’bi, 2007). The issue is exacerbated by climate change, which has resulted in erratic rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and prolonged droughts (Al-Karablieh et al., 2016). Additionally, the rapid population increase, including the influx of refugees, has intensified demand for water resources. Agricultural activities, which consume approximately 50% of the country’s water supply, often rely on inefficient irrigation methods that contribute to groundwater depletion. If left unaddressed, the crisis will continue to threaten Jordan’s water security, agriculture, and public health.
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Water security: A tracking and quantifying methodology for monitoring water resources in a water scarce region

Water security: A tracking and quantifying methodology for monitoring water resources in a water scarce region

Map of Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain has an arid to semi-arid climate with minimal rainfall amount per year. The rapid increase in urbanization and population growth has placed a huge demand on water resources. The only natural resources available in the country and what has been relied on historically for water usage are spring waters and ground water, which are quickly being depleted due to the increasing demands on water needs. Due to the limits of groundwater and spring waters, they are now majorly complemented with non-conventional water resources to supply the country’s needs. The country has invested heavily in water desalination plants of sea water to meet domestic needs and tertiary sewage treatment plants for municipal and agricultural uses through water and treated wastewater networks.
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Integrated water resource management for sustainable agriculture: data-driven approaches to optimize crop patterns and water use in Pakistan

Integrated water resource management for sustainable agriculture: data-driven approaches to optimize crop patterns and water use in Pakistan

Image of dry landscape and solar panels in the distance
The environmental impacts of irrigated agriculture, which demands between 3,000 to 5,000 litres of water to produce just one kilogram of rice, are profound. Considering that 35 per cent of Pakistan’s freshwater is used for rice cultivation, often for crops destined for export, the need for a strategic realignment of water use priorities is evident. Current practices often treat water as an unlimited resource, a perspective that is unsustainable in the face of increasing domestic and international demands for food. The urgent need for systemic change is clear: only through the adoption of innovative technologies and the integration of up-to-date environmental data can Pakistan hope to meet the Zero Hunger (SDG 2) goal and achieve sustainable development. This project proposes using advanced remote sensing and land use modelling to effectively quantify agricultural land use practices and their changes over time. This integrated assessment framework is vital for building resilience against future climate extremes and for ensuring sustainable agricultural practices that align with societal and environmental priorities. By bridging the gap between current practices and agro-ecological suitability, this project aims to achieve a sustainable, food-secure future for Pakistan. We aim to interact with multiple stakeholders and agencies with diverse expertise to support data-driven approaches for sustainable water and crop management. Our goal is to build a network of professionals and researchers, facilitate knowledge and technology sharing, and contribute geospatial and analytical solutions to address the challenge.
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Escalating water scarcity and groundwater overextraction in Jordan: climate-driven droughts and the urgent need for integrated resource management

Stakeholder

Smart Sensing for Climate and Development, GIS Centre, University of the Punjab Centre for Geographical Information, University of the Punjab

Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab, University of the Punjab

Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab, University of the Punjab

The emerging demand of GIS and Space Applications for Climate Change studies for the socio-economic development of Pakistan along with Government of Pakistan Vision 2025, Space Vision 2047 of National Space Agency of Pakistan, and achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impelled the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) to establish Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab (RSGCRL) at University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

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Person

Muhungi

Kandel

El-Baradei

Maman

Space-based Solution

Harnessing rain: A system of safe, secure and sustainable drinking water - in development

Harnessing rain: A system of safe, secure and sustainable drinking water - in development

Rainwater harvesting with tank at side of house

The system involves a direct collection of rainwater into storage tanks. Implementing such a system has several challenges that a space-based GIS system can address comprehensively. The developed Rain4Drinking portal will be an opensource tool.

The model will be implemented in Google Earth Engine (GEE) and made available to communities through GEE App where they can just provide the shapefile of their rooftop or draw it on the interactive interface to get:

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Earth observation for ecosystem resilience: the Lake Ol' Bolossat monitoring initiative - in development and need for input