CURRENT AND RECENT ACTIVITIES

Generation of Operational Actual Evapotranspiration Datasets for the Nile Basin

We are undertaking a Nile Basin Initiative project which involves the comparison of different remotely sensed evapotranspiration products and the validation of these products in the data-scarce Nile Basin. The aim of the project is to provide the best possible spatio-temporal estimates of actual evapotranspiration within the Nile Basin countries, thus enabling more accurate hydrological modelling of the region and allowing more informed-decision making, particularly regarding irrigation projects. The project involves training NBI staff so that they are able to undertake similar future studies.

 

Framework for Assessing Groundwater Resources with Pilot Studies in Mexico and Guatemala

We are working alongside The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the University of San Luis Potosí to develop a methodological framework to assess groundwater resources and their interaction with the surrounding environment in urban areas. The framework is being implemented in two pilot studies (Mexico City and Guatemala City) with the aim to evolve this framework into a guiding document that TNC will use in their numerous Water Funds projects.

 

Curricular Development and Training in the scope of the Nexus Dialogue Programme (GIZ/EU, 2017-2019) 

We developed a variety of training materials and concepts related to the WEF Security Nexus in the scope of the Nexus Regional Dialogues Program Phase I (2016 – 2018) funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The overall objective is to promote the dialogue and a stronger cross-sectoral collaboration between the water, energy, agricultural and environment related sectors to improve decision-making processes.

 

Workshop “The role of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in planning processes” in Santiago de Chile, 15th and 16th of May 2018

After a Regional Political-Technical Nexus Dialogue organized at the Natural Resources and Infrastructure Division of ECLAC/CEPAL, a training workshop was held together with the regional representatives of the GIZ Nexus Dialogue Programme. The participants – all working in public institutions – came from 12 countries representing different sectors (Water, Energy, Agriculture and Planning); each with a different task related to “the Nexus”. The overall objective of the training was therefore to support them in the implementation of their activities. Further objectives were: 1. to provide them with an overview on Nexus concepts, assessment tools and potential governance related implementation measures, 2. to raise awareness about the challenges related to the individual sectors and the complexity arising from the interconnections between them, 3. to inform them about tools and mechanisms which promote Nexus friendly planning.

 

National Photo Voltaic Resource Assessment and Training in Bangladesh for SREPGen Projects of UNDP Bangladesh

The Power Division of the Ministry of Power Energy and Mineral Resources, Government of Bangladesh is implementing the GEF-funded Project “Development of Sustainable Renewable Energy Power generation (SREPGen)”, in which UNDP is working as a partner in implementation. ITTrms works in a collaborative role with the Cologne Institute of Renewable Energy to conduct a national photovoltaic resource assessment study. The report also addresses the policy aspects and guiding principles of renewable energy development, based on solar photovoltaic energy and its development trends at the local, regional and national levels. This report will provide both quantitative and directional guidance to assist the decision-makers for solar PV projects. As part of the study, a detailed monitoring design and installation of solar radiation stations has been conducted using ITTSmartSense technology.

 

Design of environmental monitoring strategy, training and capacity development for Water Fund projects in Brazil

The Nature Conservancy focusses on watershed protection, and hired ITTrms to help in their project in the state of Rio de Janeiro Brazil. The Guandu Watershed is a vital source of drinking water for 8 million people in the city of Rio de Janeiro; however, it is severely affected by deforestation and other agricultural activities, with severely reduced water quality and quantity observed downstream. To evaluate upstream reforestation and restoration initiatives and identify potential locations to adopt appropriate measures, a detailed environmental monitoring strategy must be set up with a combination of environmental sensors and data assessment. ITTrms is developing a detailed monitoring strategy and is upgrading the existing environmental monitoring systems within the Guandu watershed. This project is being expanded to the upper Las Velhas watershed.

 

Assessment of Urban Drinking Water Supply Risks in Europe

The Nature Conservancy hired ITTrms to conduct a study of existing challenges regarding water quality and quantity for urban drinking water supply in Europe, with the ultimate project goal of developing and implementing landscape-based interventions to protect water sources. We analysed numerous aggregate data sources to generate risk maps according to risk type for European Union and Balkan countries. The study also included analyses of several case studies where payment for watershed services schemes have been implemented within Europe.