Integrated Water Resources Management in the Congo basin based on the development of Earth Observation monitoring systems in the framework of the AMESD Programme in Central Africa

Abstract

The Congo basin is one of the richest in terms of water resources. These water resources are still under-exploited. However due to the decrease of the Oubangui river discharge since 30 years and the Small Lake Chad current status in the neighbour Lake Chad Basin, the monitoring of water resources in the Congo basin is crucial. The African Monitoring of Environment for Sustainable Development Programme (AMESD) therefore sets the basis for the development of a regular monitoring system of the Congo Basin water resources. In 36 months, satellite data reception stations will be installed in 7 Central African countries, regional experts capacities built and alert systems developed. They will inform on low waters in order to improve navigation conditions anticipation and on water cycle to assess the impact on climate change on its water resources. An IWRM decision-support tool will be developed and 28 decision-makers will be sensitised to its use