1. Information systems for Arid Regions NASA Arab Water Council Collaboration

2. Information is essential for dealing with climate change Most of the effects of climate change felt through water Most arid reasons predicted to get more arid with more variability between wet and dry years Considerable uncertainty about actual water use, and data not available or comparable across countries Better information will allow us to make better management decisions as our margin of error shrinks with climate change

3. NASA Arab Water Council developing a water information system Information system combines satellite based date, models and field data to determine water balance The system can be used to track e.g. water consumption, climate assessments, rainfall and river flows,trends Internationally comparable for entire Arab world Outputs tailored to the needs of users in the region Benefits from comparative advantages of each organization – NASA: expertise and data – AWC: links to users and field data – Donors: $$ The information from this model will be publicly available AWC will run the system; and NASA will assist AWC and associated organizations training staff

4. Could be expanded to other dry regions Takes about two years to set up Potential “ add-on” modules depending on needs Can enhance on-going initiatives – Brings in new data – Combines multiple models