Abstract
Water is a critical resource essential for sustaining life, supporting ecosystems, and driving socio-economic development. Effective management of water resources is imperative to ensure their sustainable use, particularly in the face of growing global population and growing demands, climate change, and increasing water-related challenges. In this context, the deployment of Water Management Information Systems (MIS) has emerged as a pivotal tool to enhance the understanding, monitoring, and decision-making processes associated with water resources. A Water MIS is a comprehensive framework that integrates data, information, and technologies to collect, process, analyze, and disseminate information related to water quantity, quality, usage, and availability. These systems leverage advancements in technology, including remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and real-time monitoring, to provide decision-makers with accurate and timely insights into water-related parameters. The primary goal of a Water MIS is to facilitate informed decision-making at various levels, from local communities to national governments. By consolidating data from diverse sources, such as meteorological stations, river gauging stations, and satellite imagery, these systems enable a holistic view of water resources. Decision-makers can use this information to develop sustainable water policies, plan infrastructure projects, respond to emergencies, and address water-related challenges, including droughts, floods, and water pollution. Water MIS not only enhances the technical aspects of water management but also contributes to the participatory and inclusive governance of water resources. Stakeholders, including communities, researchers, policymakers, and water resource managers, can access relevant and reliable information through user-friendly interfaces, fostering transparency and collaboration.
Keywords: Ecosystems; Climate change; Water demand; Water resources; Water challenges; MIS; GIS; Meteorological stations; UNESCO; Intergovernmental Hydrological Program
