USGS discusses water security challenges with Namibia and Botswana agencies
USGS visited Namibia and Botswana during September 10-27, 2024, to assess water security challenges as part of the U.S. Ambassador’s Water Experts Program.
The USGS Office of International Programs’ Science Advisor for International Water John Lane and USGS Water Mission Area Hydrologic Networks Branch Chief Molly Wood visited Namibia and Botswana on an assignment of the U.S. Ambassador’s Water Experts Program (AWEP). AWEP is administered by the Department of Interior International Technical Assistance Program (DOI ITAP) with funding from the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs.
USGS scientists met with representatives of the water sector in both countries, including government ministries, bulk water suppliers, municipal utilities operators, multinational water commissions, private consultants, and U.S. Embassy staff.
Namibia and Botswana have semi-arid to arid climates and are undergoing severe drought. Water resources for drinking water supply, livestock watering, mining, and industry are stretched thin. The Namibia and Botswana governments are seeking technical support for improved understanding and use of available water resources.
Discussions centered on potential USGS support to Namibia and Botswana agencies to
- Leverage remote sensing datasets to improve understanding of water availability,
- Improve hydrologic monitoring networks to increase access to hydrologic data to inform water resource management decisions, and
- Collaboratively develop scientific solutions to better manage groundwater and surface water resources to address the ongoing drought.
DOI ITAP posted on Facebook about the visit.
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