Newsletter No. 3

GGIS Global Overview gives a world-wide overview of selected groundwater-related attributes. In the enhanced version of the software the attributes are aggregated both per country and per groundwater region. Furthermore, the new version enables a search for comparable groundwater situations and a convenient connection with (about 460) references used for estimation of attribute values.

References on various documents (articles, reports, books) are stored in the Meta Information Module (MiM). The Module is envisaged as a reference core of the Global Groundwater Information System. Beside references on documents and groundwater tools, MiM contains coordinates of about 1200 organisations and 2200 groundwater specialists. Please check your coordinates and send us an upgrade (if required) or a request for exclusion from register (if preferred for privacy reasons).

The start of IGRAC's international working groups for development of new guidelines is scheduled for September 2004. We still welcome persons with experience in one of the proposed fields to join the working groups. Read further...

In July 2004 IGRAC started the inventory on software tools for processing and presentation of groundwater data. We invite colleagues to inform us about software that they consider worthwhile including in IGRAC's on-line database.

IGRAC is actively participating in the preparation of WWDR-2 (second World Water Development Report). IGRAC's involvement in the Iullemeden transboundary aquifer project has initiated a promising cooperation with ISARM (International Shared Aquifer Resources Management) programme of IAH/UNESCO. Furthermore, IGRAC participated in the team of specialists that have contributed to WHYMAP's Groundwater Resources Map of the World.
Finally, a workshop convened by ACSAD (The Arab Centre for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands) and the Cairo Office of UNESCO allowed IGRAC to strengthen contacts with the Arab Networks on Wadi Hydrology and Groundwater Protection.

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