objective

	Objectives of the Conference
Scarcity of rain and the lack of stream flow make groundwater stored in shallow alluvial aquifers the most important source of water in arid and hyperarid environments. This groundwater resource is used daily in many parts of the world drylands. More importantly, it buffers the effects of dry seasons and even relatively long droughts on riparian ecosystems, wildlife and human settlements. The ability to exploit groundwater in arid regions can determine the livelihood of communities, whether they are small rural or larger communities that practice modern intensive agriculture or industry. In arid regions groundwater of acceptable quality usually lies in shallow alluvial aquifers that are frequently recharged by flood water infiltration. Accordingly, proper understanding of the processes governing flood water infiltration is the key for sustainable water management in arid environments.
This workshop will provide a multi-disciplinary forum for the dissemination and critical discussion of new advances in dryland hydrology and management with special emphasis on floodwater recharge into alluvial aquifers (monitoring and modelling), groundwater characterisation (isotopic, chemical), riparian ecosystems, environmental history and water management (including IWRM concepts) in ephemeral rivers. The core of the talks will be provided by presentations showing the main achievements and conclusions of the EU funded WADE project, developed on the Buffels River (Namaqualand, South Africa) and the Kuiseb River (Namibia). The Workshop welcomes the attendance of and the contribution from hydrologists, earth scientists, ecologists, environmental historians, hydrological modellers, and professionals from engineering consulting, water boards, and municipalities.

Objectives of the Conference

Scarcity of rain and the lack of stream flow make groundwater stored in shallow alluvial aquifers the most important source of water in arid and hyperarid environments. This groundwater resource is used daily in many parts of the world drylands. More importantly, it buffers the effects of dry seasons and even relatively long droughts on riparian ecosystems, wildlife and human settlements. The ability to exploit groundwater in arid regions can determine the livelihood of communities, whether they are small rural or larger communities that practice modern intensive agriculture or industry. In arid regions groundwater of acceptable quality usually lies in shallow alluvial aquifers that are frequently recharged by flood water infiltration. Accordingly, proper understanding of the processes governing flood water infiltration is the key for sustainable water management in arid environments.

This workshop will provide a multi-disciplinary forum for the dissemination and critical discussion of new advances in dryland hydrology and management with special emphasis on floodwater recharge into alluvial aquifers (monitoring and modelling), groundwater characterisation (isotopic, chemical), riparian ecosystems, environmental history and water management (including IWRM concepts) in ephemeral rivers. The core of the talks will be provided by presentations showing the main achievements and conclusions of the EU funded WADE project, developed on the Buffels River (Namaqualand, South Africa) and the Kuiseb River (Namibia). The Workshop welcomes the attendance of and the contribution from hydrologists, earth scientists, ecologists, environmental historians, hydrological modellers, and professionals from engineering consulting, water boards, and municipalities.

Cape Town, South Africa 27-28th November, 2007		Principal	Objectives	Conference Themes	Conference Venue	Call for Contributions	Registration
Groundwater Recharge in Ephemeral Rivers of Southern Africa: Implications for Water Management
	Funded by the European Commission	International workshop					Contact Us