Regional study Regional study Abu Dhabi Global Environmental data Abu Dhabi Global Environmental data

InitiativeInitiative ( AGEDI )( AGEDI )

Experience ,Practices and Status of Environmental Experience ,Practices and Status of Environmental DataData

and Information systems In ACSADand Information systems In ACSAD

Prepared by Prepared by Dr. Abdallah DroubiDr. Abdallah DroubiDirector, Water Resources Division Director, Water Resources Division The Arab Center for the Studies of The Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands –ACSADArid Zones and Dry Lands –ACSAD

I- Executive summaryI- Executive summary

ACSAD has started to develop ACSAD has started to develop several data bases on water several data bases on water resources ,Plants and Soil since resources ,Plants and Soil since more than 10 years. All the more than 10 years. All the databases are linked to GIS databases are linked to GIS ( ARC View and ARC- INFO ) ( ARC View and ARC- INFO ) which helps in producing which helps in producing different thematic maps and different thematic maps and sheetssheets..

ACSAD works closely with ACSAD works closely with national concerned institutions national concerned institutions and regional organizations. and regional organizations. ACSAD has been involved in ACSAD has been involved in various regional projects of various regional projects of cooperation with regional and cooperation with regional and international organizations, international organizations, such as UNCCD activities , such as UNCCD activities , UNESCO ,FAO .UNESCO ,FAO .

The sustainability of the The sustainability of the information systems depends information systems depends on the availability of funds or on the availability of funds or projects implemented in the projects implemented in the region ,by which some funds region ,by which some funds can be provided to maintain can be provided to maintain and develop the information and develop the information system .system .

It depends also on the willing It depends also on the willing of national institutions to of national institutions to cooperate and facilitate the cooperate and facilitate the flow and exchange of flow and exchange of information .The public information .The public access to the data and access to the data and information system in ACSAD information system in ACSAD is free of charge .is free of charge .

II-BackgroundII-Background :: The Arab countries share a number of The Arab countries share a number of

physical, social and institutional physical, social and institutional characteristics. characteristics.

Most of the countries of the region are Most of the countries of the region are facing critical problems of facing critical problems of environmental degradation which, based environmental degradation which, based on current trends are getting worth. on current trends are getting worth. Loss of productive arable land, Loss of productive arable land, rangelands and forests. Depletion or rangelands and forests. Depletion or decline in the quality of water resources decline in the quality of water resources and loss or damage of ecosystems and and loss or damage of ecosystems and species, extension of desertification are species, extension of desertification are some of the aspects of this some of the aspects of this environmental degradation .environmental degradation .

Since water and arable land scarcity Since water and arable land scarcity are the fundamental constraints to are the fundamental constraints to future economic growth in the Arab future economic growth in the Arab region, a sustainable development region, a sustainable development require a careful management with require a careful management with more attention given for monitoring more attention given for monitoring and enforcement of environmental and enforcement of environmental information system .Such system will information system .Such system will help in assessing and monitoring the help in assessing and monitoring the trend in the evolution of the trend in the evolution of the environmental system. environmental system.

But the cause for concern, But the cause for concern, however in the region, is not only however in the region, is not only the precise information about the precise information about the natural resources assessment the natural resources assessment monitoring and availability .It is monitoring and availability .It is rather, the accessibility to rather, the accessibility to available data and information available data and information and the flow of that information and the flow of that information from producers to users .from producers to users .

The main purpose of this report is to The main purpose of this report is to present the state of the art regarding present the state of the art regarding the existing and functioning of the existing and functioning of environmental data and information environmental data and information system in ACSAD (The Arab Center for system in ACSAD (The Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands) the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands) as a regional organization dealing with as a regional organization dealing with the enhancement of knowledge and the enhancement of knowledge and generation of information required for generation of information required for promoting sustainable agriculture promoting sustainable agriculture development and preservation of the development and preservation of the environment in the Arab region. An environment in the Arab region. An overview on the existing information overview on the existing information systems and initiative in ACSAD and the systems and initiative in ACSAD and the Arab region is described belowArab region is described below . .

One of the main objective of the One of the main objective of the integrated environmental assessment integrated environmental assessment is to provide information to help is to provide information to help decision makers to understand and decision makers to understand and follow the state of the environmental follow the state of the environmental resources and relate the findings to resources and relate the findings to appropriate management decision .appropriate management decision .

Through building an appropriate Through building an appropriate information system ,we can information system ,we can identify ,follow and understand identify ,follow and understand effects of nature and human actions effects of nature and human actions on the biophysical and socio-on the biophysical and socio-economic environments to be economic environments to be effected .effected .

III-Analysis of existing initiatives, III-Analysis of existing initiatives, programmes, projects, systems programmes, projects, systems and network in ACSAD :and network in ACSAD :

A-A- Arab data base for Arid Zones Plants Arab data base for Arid Zones PlantsB-B- Arab Water Resources Data Base Arab Water Resources Data BaseC-C- Regional data base on Sustainable Vegetation Cover Regional data base on Sustainable Vegetation Cover

Management in West Asia TN 2Management in West Asia TN 2D-D- Regional data base on sustainable water management Regional data base on sustainable water management

in West Asia TN1in West Asia TN1E-E- Regional Thematic Network in Water Resources Regional Thematic Network in Water Resources

Management for Agriculture in Arid Semi Arid and Dry Management for Agriculture in Arid Semi Arid and Dry sub humid Area(TPN4) )sub humid Area(TPN4) )

F-F- Long Term Ecological Monitoring Observatories Long Term Ecological Monitoring Observatories Network in East Mediterranean ROSEEMNetwork in East Mediterranean ROSEEM

G-G- Desertification Assessment and Monitoring System Desertification Assessment and Monitoring SystemH-H- Wadi hydrology Network and Groundwater Protection Wadi hydrology Network and Groundwater Protection

NetworkNetwork

A- Arab data base for Arid A- Arab data base for Arid Zones PlantsZones Plants

A data base for arid zones plants (ADAP) A data base for arid zones plants (ADAP) project has been initiated in 1993 .It aims to project has been initiated in 1993 .It aims to prepare a comprehensive and intimately prepare a comprehensive and intimately integrated data base management system integrated data base management system that store and retrieve data related to plants that store and retrieve data related to plants in arid Arab region. in arid Arab region.

A list of thousand of plant species A list of thousand of plant species representing the flora in the Arab countries representing the flora in the Arab countries has been prepared to work on during the has been prepared to work on during the first phase .The selection of the plant species first phase .The selection of the plant species was done according to special criteria which was done according to special criteria which gave the species a certain importance in arid gave the species a certain importance in arid and semi arid areas .and semi arid areas .

The importance of the species in The importance of the species in sand dune fixation ,erosion control, sand dune fixation ,erosion control, maintenance of wild life and maintenance of wild life and economic plant genetic resources economic plant genetic resources were also taken into account for were also taken into account for the selection .Geographic the selection .Geographic distribution of the species its distribution of the species its tolerance to salinity and resistance tolerance to salinity and resistance to drought , plant pests and to drought , plant pests and disease were also taken in disease were also taken in consideration. A thesaurus has also consideration. A thesaurus has also been prepared which relates each been prepared which relates each plants scientific name to its own plants scientific name to its own collection name.collection name.

A.D.A.PD.B.M.S

Nomenclature Info for Plant A Nomenclature Info for Plant BNomenclature Info for

Plant CGeneral InfoGeneral Info

General Site Distribution Country I

General Site Distribution Country II

General Info

General Site Distribution Country I

General Site Distribution Country II

Botanical Info

Economic Value Info

Medical Info

Botanical Info

Economic Value Info

Medical Info

Site Location

(1)

Site Location

(2)

Site Location

(3)

Site Location

(1)

Site Location

(2)

Geographic Info

Geographic Info

Climatological Info

Topography &Soil Info

Botanical Detatled Info

Economic Value Detailed Info

Geographic Info

Climatological Info

Topography &Soil Info

Botanical Detatled Info

Economic Value Detailed Info

Climatological Info

Topography &Soil Info

Botanical Detatled Info

Economic Value Detailed Info

Botanical Info

Economic Value Info

Medical Info

Site Location(1)

Site Location(1)

Site Location(2)

General Site Distribution Country II

General Site Distribution Country I

Geographic Info

Climatological Info

Topography &Soil Info

Botanical Detatled Info

Economic Value Detailed Info

B- Arab Water Resources B- Arab Water Resources Data BaseData Base: :

Since water in the Arab region is Since water in the Arab region is becoming scarce in quantity and becoming scarce in quantity and inadequate in quality ,due mainly to inadequate in quality ,due mainly to the fact that the ever increasing the fact that the ever increasing demands persist to exceed the supply. demands persist to exceed the supply. ACSAD has launched a project for the ACSAD has launched a project for the establishment of an Interactive establishment of an Interactive Regional Arab water resources data Regional Arab water resources data base . The project ,building on the base . The project ,building on the achievement of the many previous achievement of the many previous endeavors ,focuses on assessing the endeavors ,focuses on assessing the developing situation regarding fresh developing situation regarding fresh water throughout the Arab region. water throughout the Arab region.

The primary output is an interactive digital The primary output is an interactive digital maps and data base . This interactive map maps and data base . This interactive map shall comprise layers of shall comprise layers of topographic ,geological ,hydro-topographic ,geological ,hydro-geological ,surface water bodies and geological ,surface water bodies and wadis ,water use ,land use data ,etc. It shall wadis ,water use ,land use data ,etc. It shall be dynamic and can easily incorporate any be dynamic and can easily incorporate any new data into it . The data base is built new data into it . The data base is built within a GIS Arc info. environment , using within a GIS Arc info. environment , using ORACLE data base management system . ORACLE data base management system . The data base will include data compilation The data base will include data compilation (geo-referenced meta-data bases ) data (geo-referenced meta-data bases ) data interpretation comparative trend interpretation comparative trend analyses ,data dissemination . A first analyses ,data dissemination . A first proposal of the system has been presented proposal of the system has been presented last July 2004 ,during an expert group last July 2004 ,during an expert group meeting held in ACSAD.meeting held in ACSAD.

18

الوحدات األساسية في

البنك

اإلدخال و (Input/Update)التعديل

اإلستجواب (Query)

حالة البنك (Status)

التمثيل & (Reportsالمستخرجات)الرسومي

Data Base of Water resources

( Oracle & VB )

Flowchart of the Arab Water Resources Data Base

National general dataGeneral

data

Internal- Shared surface water

basins

Internal-sharedgroundwater basins

Major rivers internal -shared

Major lacsMajor springs

General

water budget

Main inputs

Digital base maps

Sheets and related data

bases

Topographic contours

Roads

Urban centersة

Rivers

wadis

International borders

Irrigated agriculture

Rain-

fed agriculture

Non cultivated lands

Development indicators

,domestic,agricu

lture ,Industry

Development of Agriculture

activities ( Remot

sensing (Remote sensings)

Areas covered by

water studies

Type of study

Contents of the study

Scale of the Study

References

Hydrological network

Hydrological stations

Climatic stations

Dams

Pollution indicatores

Water quality

Rainfall distribution

Water inflow/basin

Spring locations

Water use ,present ,future

Geology

Groundwater basins

Ground water table

Renewable and non-renewable

Exploitation indices

Water quality

Pollution indicators

Environmental isotopes

Major springs

Areas with high salinity

Borehole locations

Zones of recharge and discharge ( natural/artificial

Zones of potential and at risksPromised areas/at risks

Non –conventional water resources

Water budget /basin level

Topographic mapHydrographicdivisionsHydrogeological mapLand use

Water studies

C- Regional data base on C- Regional data base on Sustainable Vegetation Cover Sustainable Vegetation Cover Management in West Asia TN Management in West Asia TN 22: : This data base has been established This data base has been established within the framework of the Sub –within the framework of the Sub –regional Programme (SRAP ) to combat regional Programme (SRAP ) to combat desertification and drought in West Asia , desertification and drought in West Asia , realized in collaboration with ACSAD , realized in collaboration with ACSAD , UNEP –ROWA ,UNCCD and UNEP –ROWA ,UNCCD and GM/UNCCD .This activity known as TN2 GM/UNCCD .This activity known as TN2 has the objective to carry out an has the objective to carry out an inventory and establish a data base on inventory and establish a data base on sustainable vegetative cover sustainable vegetative cover management in West Asia , addressing management in West Asia , addressing the existing institutions , projects, the existing institutions , projects, personnel and outputs associated with personnel and outputs associated with status of vegetative cover in west Asia its status of vegetative cover in west Asia its use , degradation .use , degradation .

DATA BASE FOR THE STATUS OF THE VEGETATIVE COVER IN

WEST ASIATN2

DATA BASE FOR THE STATUS DATA BASE FOR THE STATUS OF THE VEGETATIVE COVER INOF THE VEGETATIVE COVER IN

WEST ASIAWEST ASIATN2TN2

http://www.acsad.org/SRAP/t1/T4.asp

The data base established compile The data base established compile information on past ,on going and information on past ,on going and planned projects and planned projects and activities ,including responsible activities ,including responsible institutions and organization institutions and organization involved ,location ,projects involved ,location ,projects description and objectives ,contact description and objectives ,contact persons ,results and eventually persons ,results and eventually accessibility to the concerned accessibility to the concerned people . people .

ACSAD in collaboration with ACSAD in collaboration with ICARDA has selected and ICARDA has selected and developed the data base using developed the data base using ACCESS system and the Web site ACCESS system and the Web site to serve the data base and link it to serve the data base and link it to all the concerned countries to all the concerned countries through the focal points with a through the focal points with a pass word for each country for pass word for each country for facilitating the access to the data facilitating the access to the data base and feed back This data base base and feed back This data base is now operational in ACSAD.is now operational in ACSAD.

D- Regional data base on D- Regional data base on sustainable water sustainable water management in West Asia management in West Asia TN1TN1: :

This data base was developed as part of the This data base was developed as part of the Sub-Regional Action Program ( SRAP ) to Sub-Regional Action Program ( SRAP ) to combat desertification and implemented by combat desertification and implemented by ICARDA in cooperation with ACSAD. The ICARDA in cooperation with ACSAD. The objective is to develop an inventory and objective is to develop an inventory and data base of past ,on going ,and planned data base of past ,on going ,and planned activities relate to TN1 ,institutions and activities relate to TN1 ,institutions and organizations working in water related organizations working in water related projects , principal out puts ,and research projects , principal out puts ,and research and knowledge gaps as perceived by and knowledge gaps as perceived by different stakeholders.different stakeholders.

The project aims to provide a The project aims to provide a dynamic data base with information dynamic data base with information from member countries on water from member countries on water resources management activities resources management activities accessible to all users .It allows all accessible to all users .It allows all focal point members and focal point members and stakeholders to use the database stakeholders to use the database and utilize the information to and utilize the information to develop and conduct activities develop and conduct activities within TN1 in West Asia .within TN1 in West Asia .

E- Regional Thematic Network in E- Regional Thematic Network in Water Resources Management for Water Resources Management for Agriculture in Arid Semi Arid and Agriculture in Arid Semi Arid and

Dry sub humid Area (TPN4)Dry sub humid Area (TPN4)) ) : : The 1997 Beijing Ministerial Conference on Regional The 1997 Beijing Ministerial Conference on Regional

Cooperation in Asia decided on a framework to implement Cooperation in Asia decided on a framework to implement CCD in Asia . Six thematic programme Network areas that CCD in Asia . Six thematic programme Network areas that constitute the core structure of the Asian Regional Action constitute the core structure of the Asian Regional Action Programme .were identified for promoting regional Programme .were identified for promoting regional cooperation .One of these networks is the TPN4 which is cooperation .One of these networks is the TPN4 which is coordinated by the Ministry of Irrigation in Syria .coordinated by the Ministry of Irrigation in Syria .

ACSAD is invited to be member of the steering committee ACSAD is invited to be member of the steering committee of this network One of main objectives of the Network is to of this network One of main objectives of the Network is to alleviate persistent lack of scientific data and information alleviate persistent lack of scientific data and information of arid regions relating to water resources management of arid regions relating to water resources management that severely impede an effective development of water that severely impede an effective development of water management measures and policies. By gathering national management measures and policies. By gathering national stakeholders ,collect and improve the information stakeholders ,collect and improve the information networking within the countries involved ,this objectives networking within the countries involved ,this objectives could be achieved .could be achieved .

This network has been launched 3 years ago but nothing This network has been launched 3 years ago but nothing concrete up to now is achieved . concrete up to now is achieved .

F- Long Term Ecological F- Long Term Ecological Monitoring Observatories Monitoring Observatories Network in East Network in East Mediterranean ROSEEMMediterranean ROSEEM. .

In order to better understanding the desertification In order to better understanding the desertification phenomena and act more effectively against its negative phenomena and act more effectively against its negative impacts ,ACSAD in cooperation with Sahara and Sahel impacts ,ACSAD in cooperation with Sahara and Sahel Observatory ( SSO ) has launched a project for Observatory ( SSO ) has launched a project for developing an observation ,monitoring and evaluation developing an observation ,monitoring and evaluation mechanism of the ecological system in East mechanism of the ecological system in East Mediterranean countries using remote sensing and GIS Mediterranean countries using remote sensing and GIS technique.technique.

The data collected ( climatology ,Biodiversity ,hydrology , The data collected ( climatology ,Biodiversity ,hydrology , range land sand dunes movement ) is stored in range land sand dunes movement ) is stored in harmonized way to provide the manager or decision harmonized way to provide the manager or decision makers the accurate information regarding the process makers the accurate information regarding the process and evolution of desertification in the studied areas.and evolution of desertification in the studied areas.

Several meetings have been organized in ACSAd to define Several meetings have been organized in ACSAd to define the objectives ,the structure and network operation .the objectives ,the structure and network operation .

Un-fortunately this network could not be established ,due Un-fortunately this network could not be established ,due to lack of fund. to lack of fund.

G- Desertification G- Desertification Assessment and Assessment and Monitoring SystemMonitoring System; ;

ACSAD in cooperation with GTZ has ACSAD in cooperation with GTZ has launched a project for the launched a project for the establishment of a regional data base establishment of a regional data base linked to GIS and building an early linked to GIS and building an early warning system for monitoring warning system for monitoring desertification in the Arab region .This desertification in the Arab region .This system shall link all the remote sensing system shall link all the remote sensing centers in the Arab region through a centers in the Arab region through a network to exchange information .This network to exchange information .This system is under preparation by ACSAD .system is under preparation by ACSAD .

A network of remote sensing centers in A network of remote sensing centers in 4 countries; Syria , Lebanon , Egypt 4 countries; Syria , Lebanon , Egypt and ACSAD is already established .and ACSAD is already established .

H- Wadi hydrology Network H- Wadi hydrology Network and Groundwater Protection and Groundwater Protection NetworkNetwork: :

Both networks have been initiated by Both networks have been initiated by ACSAD ,UNESCO ,Cairo office and ALECSO ACSAD ,UNESCO ,Cairo office and ALECSO ACSAD is coordinating the wadi hydrology ACSAD is coordinating the wadi hydrology network which aims to generate and network which aims to generate and disseminate data and information regarding disseminate data and information regarding management of wadi systems in arid and semi management of wadi systems in arid and semi arid zones in the Arab region .A data base has arid zones in the Arab region .A data base has been established to include all the available been established to include all the available information on the wadi systems in the Arab information on the wadi systems in the Arab region .A website for the network has also region .A website for the network has also been developed and hosted by ACSAD home been developed and hosted by ACSAD home page .page .

The Groundwater Protection networks aims The Groundwater Protection networks aims also to improve and disseminate information also to improve and disseminate information regarding the protection of groundwater in regarding the protection of groundwater in the Arab region .ACSAD is member of this the Arab region .ACSAD is member of this network which is coordinated by the Institute network which is coordinated by the Institute of Groundwater Research in Egypt . of Groundwater Research in Egypt .

http://www.acsad.org/wadi_hydr/WadiHydrology.htm

Wadi Hydrology network

Web sit

IV-Data and information IV-Data and information availability (collectively, availability (collectively, sectoral and thematic)sectoral and thematic) The generation of data and The generation of data and

information to the different data bases information to the different data bases is ensured through the different is ensured through the different projects and programmes projects and programmes implemented separately by ACSAD or implemented separately by ACSAD or in cooperation with other national or in cooperation with other national or regional organizations . There is no regional organizations . There is no unified data base or a core data set in unified data base or a core data set in ACSAD covering all the environmental ACSAD covering all the environmental information sectors. So the flow of information sectors. So the flow of data and information is directed to data and information is directed to each specific data base ,water or soil each specific data base ,water or soil or plants …..or plants …..

There is a need for a unified framework There is a need for a unified framework for the development of environmental for the development of environmental information system. Such framework is information system. Such framework is needed to structure the needed to structure the collection ,analysis and presentation of collection ,analysis and presentation of environmental information and integrate environmental information and integrate environmental data on a geographic environmental data on a geographic basis .This task is probably easy since the basis .This task is probably easy since the binding elements between all this data binding elements between all this data bases is that all related to a specific bases is that all related to a specific geographical location or area . geographical location or area .

Un-fortunately ACSAD does not has also a Un-fortunately ACSAD does not has also a special sectoral monitoring programme to special sectoral monitoring programme to feed the different data bases .feed the different data bases .

V- Public AccessV- Public Access ::

All the data ,information and reports All the data ,information and reports generating by ACSAD activities are generating by ACSAD activities are accessible to the interested public through accessible to the interested public through direct contacts or ACSAD home page. The direct contacts or ACSAD home page. The restriction imposed concerns only data and restriction imposed concerns only data and reports that have been produced through reports that have been produced through special contracts upon request from special contracts upon request from national concerned institutions in the Arab national concerned institutions in the Arab countries . All the available data and countries . All the available data and information including maps , printed information including maps , printed materials are distributed free of charge to materials are distributed free of charge to the interested persons ,researchers and the interested persons ,researchers and university students .The access to the data university students .The access to the data bases is not permitted ,but ACSAD can bases is not permitted ,but ACSAD can provide all the data and information provide all the data and information requested by means of hard copies , requested by means of hard copies , tables ,C.D, maps … etc .tables ,C.D, maps … etc .

ACSAD is mandated to represent the league of ACSAD is mandated to represent the league of the Arab states in all the international the Arab states in all the international conventions ,such as desertification ,biodiversity conventions ,such as desertification ,biodiversity and related issues .Un- fortunately ,the lack of and related issues .Un- fortunately ,the lack of structured approach to structure the collection , structured approach to structure the collection , ,harmonization of environmental standards ,harmonization of environmental standards within the Arab countries ,analysis and within the Arab countries ,analysis and presentation of environmental information, presentation of environmental information, integrate environmental data on a geographic integrate environmental data on a geographic basis ,commitment of the countries to provide basis ,commitment of the countries to provide the necessary data and information ,constitute the necessary data and information ,constitute all a major constraints to meet the objective all a major constraints to meet the objective assigned to ACSAD to be the focal center for assigned to ACSAD to be the focal center for environmental information in the Arab region . environmental information in the Arab region .

The question of confidentiality of certain data The question of confidentiality of certain data released by the countries is also another released by the countries is also another obstacle for building integrated environmental obstacle for building integrated environmental information systems.information systems.

Having some sort of conventions to organize the Having some sort of conventions to organize the flow of information and data between ACSAD flow of information and data between ACSAD and the national institutions and regulating the and the national institutions and regulating the exchange of information and the accessibility to exchange of information and the accessibility to public will be highly appreciated .public will be highly appreciated .

VI- Effectiveness and efficiency of VI- Effectiveness and efficiency of current information systems current information systems ( include strengths and ( include strengths and weaknesses ) .weaknesses ) .

The existing information systems are ,from the The existing information systems are ,from the technical point of view ,technical point of view ,very effectivevery effective. It is possible . It is possible not only to store data and information ,but also to not only to store data and information ,but also to produce, using GIS system, different thematic produce, using GIS system, different thematic maps readily useable by planners and mangers. maps readily useable by planners and mangers.

The strengths of the systemsThe strengths of the systems are that they can are that they can permit to have a good idea about the spatial permit to have a good idea about the spatial distribution and evolution of different elements of distribution and evolution of different elements of the environmental system and produce a good the environmental system and produce a good assessment reports . The systems helps also to assessment reports . The systems helps also to integrate and interlink the different environmental integrate and interlink the different environmental data and get a global over view on the data and get a global over view on the environmental systemenvironmental system..

The Weaknesses are;The Weaknesses are; The capacity to ensure a continuous feed back for The capacity to ensure a continuous feed back for

updating the data bases .updating the data bases . Lack of a structure for integrating and hosting all Lack of a structure for integrating and hosting all

the data bases in one environmental information the data bases in one environmental information system ( at the national or regional level) and system ( at the national or regional level) and supervising the functioning of the system.supervising the functioning of the system.

Lack of a mechanism linking the regional data Lack of a mechanism linking the regional data base ( in ACSAD) to national data bases( including base ( in ACSAD) to national data bases( including harmonization of environmental standards, harmonization of environmental standards, compatibility of used soft wares in different compatibility of used soft wares in different countries …etc.)countries …etc.)

Lack of fund which affect negatively the Lack of fund which affect negatively the sustainability of the system . sustainability of the system .

Lack of awareness and perspectives about the Lack of awareness and perspectives about the utility to have a regional information system and utility to have a regional information system and the profit of the Arab countries from such system .the profit of the Arab countries from such system .

Lack of commitments of the countries to cooperate Lack of commitments of the countries to cooperate and deliver the data and requested information.and deliver the data and requested information.

VII- Constraints and barriers to VII- Constraints and barriers to manage and improve availability and manage and improve availability and accessibility of environmental data accessibility of environmental data and informationand information : :

The major constraintsThe major constraints can be classified in two issues ; can be classified in two issues ;Technical and politicalTechnical and political . . The technical constraintsThe technical constraints can be summarized as follows ; can be summarized as follows ; Lack of commitments of the national institutions to provide or facilitate the Lack of commitments of the national institutions to provide or facilitate the

access to their own data and information systems .access to their own data and information systems . Lack of reliable data or information mainly old data(Pb.of continuity ) .Lack of reliable data or information mainly old data(Pb.of continuity ) . Lack of harmonization of environmental standards and indicators according Lack of harmonization of environmental standards and indicators according

to prevailing global guidelines .to prevailing global guidelines . Inadequacies and consistency of available environmental data and Inadequacies and consistency of available environmental data and

information information The environmental information is dispersed within different national The environmental information is dispersed within different national

institutions . In-existence of a central service ,at the national level which institutions . In-existence of a central service ,at the national level which coordinates and handles the environmental information .coordinates and handles the environmental information .

Lack of an adequate mechanism for coordinating activities under taken at Lack of an adequate mechanism for coordinating activities under taken at the regional level and in close cooperation with national institutions .the regional level and in close cooperation with national institutions .

Un-adequate monitoring system at national and regional level .Un-adequate monitoring system at national and regional level . Lack of fund to provide the necessary equipments ,organizing and Lack of fund to provide the necessary equipments ,organizing and

maintaining a network for collecting and updating data and information and maintaining a network for collecting and updating data and information and a hosted structure for processing, analyze and disseminate of data and a hosted structure for processing, analyze and disseminate of data and information . information .

Lack of well skilled people in IT or different environmental issuesLack of well skilled people in IT or different environmental issues

The political constraints can be The political constraints can be summarized as followssummarized as follows; ;

Deliverance of data and information is still Deliverance of data and information is still considered, by some decision makers in the considered, by some decision makers in the Arab countries as confidential and Arab countries as confidential and accessibility is restricted .accessibility is restricted .

The environmental issue is still considered The environmental issue is still considered in some countries as a luxury ,so no funds or in some countries as a luxury ,so no funds or legal support are allocated to build any legal support are allocated to build any environmental information system or even a environmental information system or even a monitoring system for different monitoring system for different environmental elements .environmental elements .

The dispersal of services assigned to deal The dispersal of services assigned to deal with environmental issue and lack of with environmental issue and lack of coordinationcoordination . .

VIII -Environmental priority issueVIII -Environmental priority issue: :

The environmental priority issues in The environmental priority issues in the Arab region are ,freshwater the Arab region are ,freshwater degradation in quantity and quality , degradation in quantity and quality , water pollution, land cover water pollution, land cover degradation desertification , soil degradation desertification , soil degradation and degradation and salinization ,biodiversity, urbanization salinization ,biodiversity, urbanization coastal environment and industrial coastal environment and industrial pollution .pollution .

IX -Priority environmental information IX -Priority environmental information needs of various groups (stakeholders) to needs of various groups (stakeholders) to support decision –makingsupport decision –making: :

The environmental information needs of various The environmental information needs of various group of users can be classified as follows ;group of users can be classified as follows ;

For stakeholdersFor stakeholders :Their needs can be summarized as :Their needs can be summarized as follows;follows;

Existence of a service or environmental body which Existence of a service or environmental body which can provide stakeholders with the information and can provide stakeholders with the information and advices to assist them to get best benefit and ensure advices to assist them to get best benefit and ensure sustainable use of natural resources (water sustainable use of natural resources (water availability, water quality ,soil characteristics …. availability, water quality ,soil characteristics …. Etc ).Etc ).

Easy access to the environmental information . Easy access to the environmental information . Provide them with the environmental information Provide them with the environmental information

they need in a simple and useful form and ready to they need in a simple and useful form and ready to use .use .

Improve public awareness about the existing and Improve public awareness about the existing and available of different environmental information available of different environmental information systems ,where and how to access to the required systems ,where and how to access to the required information .information .

For decision makersFor decision makers : their needs can be : their needs can be summarized as follows ;summarized as follows ;

Facilitating information flow between Facilitating information flow between different actors.different actors.

The existence of an integrated and flexible The existence of an integrated and flexible environmental information system .environmental information system .

Presenting the environmental information in Presenting the environmental information in an understandable fashion to assist them in an understandable fashion to assist them in taking their decision.taking their decision.

Have a trend about the past and future Have a trend about the past and future vision about the evolution of the different vision about the evolution of the different elements of the environmental system using elements of the environmental system using a specific indicators .a specific indicators .

Provide models linking environmental Provide models linking environmental processes and human- environment processes and human- environment interactions. interactions.

X -Lessons learned and X -Lessons learned and experiencesexperiences: :

The importance to have a reliable data and monitoring system is The importance to have a reliable data and monitoring system is a prerequisite to have a good and effective information system .a prerequisite to have a good and effective information system .

The necessity to have a reliable body for organizing and The necessity to have a reliable body for organizing and managing themanaging the

information systems . information systems . The necessity to promote communication and information The necessity to promote communication and information

exchange between different concerned parties ,decision exchange between different concerned parties ,decision makers ,stakeholders ,national institutions .makers ,stakeholders ,national institutions .

The necessity to create a good funding system as a guarantee for The necessity to create a good funding system as a guarantee for the sustainability of the system .the sustainability of the system .

The necessity to harmonize environmental standards in different The necessity to harmonize environmental standards in different environmental sectors , format ,compatibility of data and environmental sectors , format ,compatibility of data and systems used .systems used .

The importance to have the commitments of national and The importance to have the commitments of national and regional institutions for cooperating and providing and regional institutions for cooperating and providing and exchange the data and information without restrictions .exchange the data and information without restrictions .

The necessity to involve ,stakeholders ,decision The necessity to involve ,stakeholders ,decision makers ,planners in the planning phase of the system .makers ,planners in the planning phase of the system .

The importance to include the socio-economic issue in the The importance to include the socio-economic issue in the system . system .

There is a need to develop a plan for the harmonization process There is a need to develop a plan for the harmonization process of , data system , information system ,data analysis and to select of , data system , information system ,data analysis and to select related indicators .related indicators .

XI- Regional and international XI- Regional and international cooperation (including UNEP and cooperation (including UNEP and other UN agencies)other UN agencies)::

Mutual cooperation between ACSAD and Mutual cooperation between ACSAD and other regional organizations like , AOAD other regional organizations like , AOAD ICARDA , ESCWA ,UNESCO and UNEP is ICARDA , ESCWA ,UNESCO and UNEP is strongly recommended .A good example of strongly recommended .A good example of mutual cooperation is the work which has mutual cooperation is the work which has been done between ACSAD and UNEP for the been done between ACSAD and UNEP for the preparation of GEO -3 ,and also within the preparation of GEO -3 ,and also within the implementation of sun-regional activities of implementation of sun-regional activities of the UNCCD .Another example is on going the UNCCD .Another example is on going activities between UNESCO and ACSAD for activities between UNESCO and ACSAD for the preparation of a digital water resources the preparation of a digital water resources map of the Arab world ACSAD will welcome map of the Arab world ACSAD will welcome any cooperation with UNEP for making use of any cooperation with UNEP for making use of their existing information systems .The their existing information systems .The cooperation between ACSAD and ICARDA for cooperation between ACSAD and ICARDA for the implementation of SRAP programmes is the implementation of SRAP programmes is also a good example .also a good example .

XII- Opportunities for the futureXII- Opportunities for the future: :

Maintaining the environmental Maintaining the environmental information systems in ACSAD and information systems in ACSAD and even build a new integrated one even build a new integrated one depend strongly on the support coming depend strongly on the support coming from regional and international from regional and international programmes ,which provide not only programmes ,which provide not only the funds but also the arguments for the funds but also the arguments for maintaining and up- dating and making maintaining and up- dating and making the systems more effectiveness . Such the systems more effectiveness . Such programmes will also help in programmes will also help in maintaining the flow of data generating maintaining the flow of data generating by various projects and activities by various projects and activities conducted in or outside the region..conducted in or outside the region..

XIII- Recommendations of priorities XIII- Recommendations of priorities for action:for action:

1-Policy :1-Policy : - - With the emerging boom of the Media and the increasing in With the emerging boom of the Media and the increasing in

education level of the populations in most of the countries of education level of the populations in most of the countries of the Arab region , the public became more aware about the the Arab region , the public became more aware about the different environmental aspects .The public became also more different environmental aspects .The public became also more exigent about his rights to have good environment and request exigent about his rights to have good environment and request to be more involved in policy discussion and decision to be more involved in policy discussion and decision making .Such involvement necessitate that the accessibility to making .Such involvement necessitate that the accessibility to the environmental information must be facilitated .the environmental information must be facilitated .

-Consequently the national policy should be changed -Consequently the national policy should be changed regarding the restrictions on the exchange of information at the regarding the restrictions on the exchange of information at the national and regional level .It is evident that, there is also a national and regional level .It is evident that, there is also a need to adopt some regulations regarding this issue .It is not need to adopt some regulations regarding this issue .It is not possible to take out all the restrictions by for example , possible to take out all the restrictions by for example , separating the information in two types ,one which request a separating the information in two types ,one which request a special authorization ( because in some cases the deliverance of special authorization ( because in some cases the deliverance of some information could create a trouble in the country) and the some information could create a trouble in the country) and the second one without .There is also a need to enforce the second one without .There is also a need to enforce the exchange of information at the regional level .exchange of information at the regional level .

-A commitment of each country of the region regarding this -A commitment of each country of the region regarding this issue is necessary .This will help in getting a regional overview issue is necessary .This will help in getting a regional overview on the environment which will be of profit for all the countries on the environment which will be of profit for all the countries of the regionof the region

-There is a need to adopt an open policy -There is a need to adopt an open policy regarding the free exchange of data and regarding the free exchange of data and information at the national and regional level .The information at the national and regional level .The environmental information should not no more be environmental information should not no more be considered by politician and decision makers as considered by politician and decision makers as confidential with restricted distribution .The confidential with restricted distribution .The future concerns all the people of the region , so future concerns all the people of the region , so the free circulation of environmental information the free circulation of environmental information at all levels, should be encouraged .at all levels, should be encouraged .

-In this case there should be a legislation that -In this case there should be a legislation that organize all the issue related to the environmental organize all the issue related to the environmental information system, information system, collection ,processing ,integration, uses of all collection ,processing ,integration, uses of all environmental data bases and accessibility of the environmental data bases and accessibility of the public to the environmental information system. public to the environmental information system. At the regional level there should be an At the regional level there should be an agreements and convention signed between the agreements and convention signed between the countries and regional organization that organize countries and regional organization that organize and guaranty the sustainability of the flow and and guaranty the sustainability of the flow and exchange of data and information and regulate exchange of data and information and regulate the accessibility to the environmental information the accessibility to the environmental information system .system .

2-Institutional:2-Institutional:

-Since the environment concern different -Since the environment concern different national institutions ,this situation implies national institutions ,this situation implies that the environmental information are in that the environmental information are in most of the cases dispersed between different most of the cases dispersed between different services .The creation of a strong structure at services .The creation of a strong structure at the national level which will be assigned to the national level which will be assigned to take in charge the responsibility to harmonize take in charge the responsibility to harmonize standards ,data bases ,guidelines to collect standards ,data bases ,guidelines to collect and validate the data and information and and validate the data and information and finally coordinate actions .finally coordinate actions .

-The existence of such body will also help in -The existence of such body will also help in resolving conflicts between various national resolving conflicts between various national services and in the same time accelerate the services and in the same time accelerate the coordination and exchange of information at coordination and exchange of information at the regional level by arranging some the regional level by arranging some agreements that facilitate contacts, agreements that facilitate contacts, coordination and flow of environmental coordination and flow of environmental information.information.

The guaranty of the sustainability of a regional The guaranty of the sustainability of a regional environmental information system is depending environmental information system is depending on the existence, at the national level, of a on the existence, at the national level, of a proper institutional arrangement with proper institutional arrangement with appropriate funds, that handle the national appropriate funds, that handle the national environmental information system and ensure environmental information system and ensure the coordination and integration among the coordination and integration among national services working or generating national services working or generating environmental information . environmental information .

The establishment of a regional environmental The establishment of a regional environmental information system network through the information system network through the creation of internet site, linking these national creation of internet site, linking these national institutions with regional and international institutions with regional and international organizations or initiatives concerned by the organizations or initiatives concerned by the environmental issues can be considered a good environmental issues can be considered a good arrangement .Such network should be managed arrangement .Such network should be managed by a regional organization which has the by a regional organization which has the technical and institutional capacity and technical and institutional capacity and accessibility to funds . accessibility to funds .

3-Technical ;3-Technical ; An arrangement should be undertaken between An arrangement should be undertaken between

the national leading agencies and regional the national leading agencies and regional concerned organizations , for harmonizing concerned organizations , for harmonizing environmental standards , guidelines , environmental standards , guidelines , indicators , compatibility of different data bases indicators , compatibility of different data bases systems used systems used

( hard ware ,software) at the national and ( hard ware ,software) at the national and regional level ,type of outputs, data to be regional level ,type of outputs, data to be exchanged …etc .exchanged …etc .

A continuous training programme should also A continuous training programme should also be maintained gathering the persons concerned be maintained gathering the persons concerned by the environmental information system at by the environmental information system at national and regional level .Such programme national and regional level .Such programme will permit them not only to upgrade their will permit them not only to upgrade their knowledge but also to have the same vision of knowledge but also to have the same vision of the system and to speak the same technical the system and to speak the same technical language. Such programme will help in language. Such programme will help in accelerating the establishment of the regional accelerating the establishment of the regional system and in the same time ensure the flow system and in the same time ensure the flow and exchange of information . and exchange of information .

-A good management of the environmental information -A good management of the environmental information system requires a well skilled and trained staff at the system requires a well skilled and trained staff at the central structure, able to deal with up to date technology central structure, able to deal with up to date technology and software .They will take in charge the organization of and software .They will take in charge the organization of the work ,arrange links between different existing data the work ,arrange links between different existing data bases and monitoring systems at the national and bases and monitoring systems at the national and regional levels .They have to set up standards and other regional levels .They have to set up standards and other technical issues to facilitate ,exchange of data and technical issues to facilitate ,exchange of data and information and ways of communications and connections information and ways of communications and connections with regional data bases through internet ,networks …etc. with regional data bases through internet ,networks …etc.

-A bi- annually meetings should be arranged between -A bi- annually meetings should be arranged between technical staff at the national and regional to coordinate technical staff at the national and regional to coordinate and standardize the collection of data and and standardize the collection of data and information ,looking to the compatibility of different information ,looking to the compatibility of different systems used and to discus ways and means to accelerate systems used and to discus ways and means to accelerate exchange of data and communications .Such meetings will exchange of data and communications .Such meetings will help also in creating confidence and friendly relationship help also in creating confidence and friendly relationship between the national and regional technical staff . between the national and regional technical staff .

4-Financial :4-Financial : This is a key issue for sustaining the system .Funds This is a key issue for sustaining the system .Funds

is necessary for maintaining the cooperation is necessary for maintaining the cooperation among the concerned institutions at the national among the concerned institutions at the national and regional levels and consequently the regional and regional levels and consequently the regional network ,to seek up to date or up-grading the network ,to seek up to date or up-grading the available technical materials ,holding continuous available technical materials ,holding continuous capacity building programmes ,organizing capacity building programmes ,organizing periodical regional meetings between different periodical regional meetings between different actors in the system for maintaining the dialogue actors in the system for maintaining the dialogue and the contacts among them .and the contacts among them .

From our experience in the region without such From our experience in the region without such meetings the progress in achieving the tasks will meetings the progress in achieving the tasks will not succeed .Generally speaking the national funds not succeed .Generally speaking the national funds are always limited and if we want the success in are always limited and if we want the success in implementing the environmental information implementing the environmental information system in the region adequate funds should be system in the region adequate funds should be ensured for unless 5 years or even more.ensured for unless 5 years or even more.

5-Sustainability5-Sustainability ; ;

As mentioned previously the key factors ensuring the As mentioned previously the key factors ensuring the sustainability of the environmental information systems are the sustainability of the environmental information systems are the following ;following ;

The creation of a leading institution at the national level which The creation of a leading institution at the national level which manage the system in all its steps and integrate the data from manage the system in all its steps and integrate the data from different actors , (monitoring . collection ,processing , different actors , (monitoring . collection ,processing , dissemination … etc.).dissemination … etc.).

Good awareness of decision makers about the importance of Good awareness of decision makers about the importance of establishing and maintaining environmental information system.establishing and maintaining environmental information system.

The existence of a regulation that organize the collection and The existence of a regulation that organize the collection and flow of information, accessibility of the public, exchange and flow of information, accessibility of the public, exchange and flow of information with regional organizations or nearby flow of information with regional organizations or nearby countries .countries .

Providing sufficient funds for maintaining the national and Providing sufficient funds for maintaining the national and regional system as described before . regional system as described before .

The presence of well skilled and enthusiastic staff for the The presence of well skilled and enthusiastic staff for the management of the system.management of the system.

Support of international funding agencies and Global Support of international funding agencies and Global programmes ,such as ,UNCCD ,Global climate programmes ,such as ,UNCCD ,Global climate change ,Biodiversity …..change ,Biodiversity …..

Holding frequent regional meetings and workshops in view to Holding frequent regional meetings and workshops in view to encourage the national staff from different nearby countries and encourage the national staff from different nearby countries and regional concerned organization to cooperate and exchange regional concerned organization to cooperate and exchange experience and know how .experience and know how .

Thanks For YourThanks For Your Kind AttentionKind Attention