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The IAEA Water Resources Programme: Meeting the Challenge

Aspirations for development in many parts of the world are intricately linked to water. Whether concerning issues of health, food and agriculture, sanitation, the environment, industry, or energy production, a paramount issue in the 21st century is water - its availability, quality and management.

The IAEA, through its Water Resources Programme, is one of the UN agencies responding to its Member States by providing science-based information and technical skills to improve understanding and management of their water resources.

Solutions through science

To address global water challenges, such as water shortage and quality, over-exploitation and impacts of climate change on water resources, Member States need precise information to enable them to make decisions about sustainable water resource management. The journey of water from the ocean through the atmosphere, biosphere, to the Earth and back, is commonly known as the hydrological or water cycle. A comprehensive understanding of this as well as that of hydrological systems such as river basins, lakes, and aquifers is essential to make resource development possible without having an adverse impact on the environment.

Working for Member States

The IAEA works with Member States to adapt and apply isotope techniques to the needs of each country. From technical advice and analysis to capacity building and expert services, the Water Resources Programme is ready to support Member States in addressing their water resource management issues.

While helping to test and adapt various techniques under a variety of hydrogeological conditions, the experts from the Water Resources Programme strive to develop the scientific approaches through applied research.

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