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Use of Remote Sensing and GIS in Water Resources Management: North Western Sahara Aquifer System (NWSAS)

Problem Description / Relevance to Water Security: 

The North-Western Sahara Aquifer System, which stretches over an area of more than one million square kilometers, is shared by Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. Due to the structural configuration and climate type of the region, the recharge of the NWSAS is very limited. These aquifer systems represent geological reserves whose natural outlets (springs and foggaras) led to the development of oases where people lived, for centuries ago, in perfect harmony with the Saharan ecosystem.

ICT Application / Outcome: 

As water resources are mainly related to agriculture in the area of interest, a first vegetation mapping was realized based on MODIS time-series NDVI covering the NWSAS area over the last 10 years in order to establish a first vegetation areas inventory, to better understand the spatial distribution and year-to-year variability in irrigated areas.

Results:

Assessment of Groundwater Contamination Risk from Landfill Site Using HELP and SESOIL Models: A Case Study from Jordan

Problem Description / Relevance to Water Security: 

Leachate is the liquid generated in landfills as a result of dumping the solid waste. It consists of the juice resulting from the moisture contained in the solid waste plus the rainwater that penetrates through the solid waste matrix. Al-Akeeder landfill is unsanitary landfill that does not contain leachate control and management system. Therefore, there is a chance that leachate which has a high contamination potential can reach to both surface and groundwater bodies and rendering them contaminated.

ICT Application / Outcome: 

The primary goal of the study is to estimate the leachate quantity generated from Al Akeeder landfill, to study the transport of nitrate from leachate to the subsurface soil layers and to assess the risk associated with Al Akeeder landfill leachate to the groundwater at the site. Figure 1 outlines the procedures followed to perform these tasks.

Citizen-led Mapping of Urban Metabolism in Cairo

Problem Description / Relevance to Water Security: 

Traffic congestion by the nearly 5 million cars on its roads, coupled with unregistered smelters and other industries, has resulted in Cairo having one of the highest pollution rates of any city second only to Delhi. This will further exacerbate the effects of global climate change, the results of which are projected to include sea level rise into Egypt’s fertile Delta region and freshwater resources growing increasingly scarce from desertification.

ICT Application / Outcome: 

The Project involves El Balad mobilizing citizens through its existing networks and students at Cairo University being trained on adapting and applying public participation techniques, GIS and UMIS, by academic faculty and the EWMP Partnership.