Assessment of transboundary aquifers in the Horn of Africa

IGAD (The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, http:igad.int) has already started a project related to transboundary aquifers (TBAs) in the region, in cooperation with OSS (Sahara and Sahel Observatory, http://www.oss-online.org). On the other hand, UNESCO is leading ISARM (Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management, www.isarm.net), a world wide programme on TBAs. Therefore, IGAD and UNESCO decided to exchange experience and explore possibilities to join forces in tackling assessment and management of TBAs in this inspiring and challenging region in Africa. 

The meeting was very constructive and concrete actions have been agreed upon. During the meeting, an IGRAC staff member presented IGRAC global TBA activities and particularly focused on past and current ISARM activities in Africa (as the main ISARM contributor, IGRAC is involved in practically all ISARM activities). Aquifer states representatives produced a number of useful suggestions regarding the update of the Global TBA Map for this region. IGRAC will update the map and send it to the countries for further comments. The next meeting is planned for September this year.