SERVIR's Water Portfolio - Addressing Water Scarcity Challenges in the Anthropocene through Earth Observations and Geospatial Technologies

Water scarcity presents a pressing global challenge in the Anthropocene era, intensified by the impacts of climate change and socioeconomic pressures. Working with our regional partners, SERVIR has a comprehensive water portfolio focusing on innovative drought monitoring and management solutions across its global network of hubs. SERVIR worked with users in the region to understand decision-makers needs to collaboratively develop drought portals, which integrate satellite imagery, climate data, environmental data, and hydrological models to provide near real-time monitoring and forecasting of water availability and drought conditions. These portals offer decision-makers timely and actionable information for practical water resources and drought management. The presentation explores how SERVIR helps track changing water availability across diverse landscapes, from ephemeral water bodies in Senegal to groundwater resources in Niger to drought outlooks in South/Southeast Asia. We demonstrate the transformation of these digital innovations, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, into user-friendly tools and services that support local water management agencies and communities. Additionally, we discuss the impacts of changing water availability on populations, highlighting efforts to assess and mitigate these effects in agriculture, ecosystem management, and reservoir water management. Capacity building is a crucial aspect of SERVIR efforts. This presentation illustrates our approach to ensuring long-term sustainability and local ownership of water management tools for decision-making. SERVIR aims to foster effective dialogue and action for innovation and collective action to strengthen water resources management and climate change adaptation in SERVIR regions.

December 11, 2024

12:00 AM

Washington DC

American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting