1. WHYCOS: a Tool
for Water Resources Assessment and Management
Almost all the fresh water
resources which can be mobilized are from atmospheric precipitation (rain,
snow), surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and ground water.
The sustainable and efficient
management of the water resources requires a thorough understanding of
their availability and variability both in space and time. This knowledge
is based on hydrological information systems, which allow easy access to
reliable and consistent hydrological data on rainfall, river flow,
water quality, etc.
The World Hydrological Cycle
Observing System (WHYCOS) - launched in 1993 by the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO), is aimed at improving the knowledge of the water resources
for sustainable development by strengthening the technical and institutional
capacities of Hydrological Services.
Whycos established a global
network of national observatories which provide information of consistent
quality, transmitted in real or near real time to national and regional
databases, and promoting the use of modern technologies in hydrology.
WHYCOS facilitates the dissemination
and use of water related information, notably on the World Wide Web of
Internet.
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