Page 37 - CIWA Water Data Revolution Overview Report

Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa

data it has access to, and the specific management objectives it seeks to achieve, ensuring that
the data can be harnessed to drive informed, effective decisions.

Water accounting tools, or similar frameworks, serve as powerful instruments for connecting data

to real-world applications, offering an integrated approach to managing water resources. These
tools aggregate and analyze data from multiple sources, such as satellite imagery, climate models,
and in-situ measurements, to provide a comprehensive overview of water availability and usage
at the basin level. By stepping beyond sub-national level analysis, water accounting tools offer a
broader perspective that allows decision-makers to assess the balance between water resources
and demand across the entire basin, rather than isolated regions, which makes them ideal for a
transboundary context. This holistic view enables users to track trends, identify potential water
stress points, and assess the long-term sustainability of water use. By linking data directly to
actionable insights, water accounting tools help stakeholders make informed decisions regarding

resource allocation, conservation strategies, and investment planning, ensuring that water
resources are managed effectively and equitably at the basin scale.

The work developed under this initiative establishes a foundation for the future implementation
of basin-wide analytical tools, enabling the practical and integrated use of data in decision-
making. Moving forward, a more focused approach will be required to address the specific and
unique needs of each RBO, necessitating detailed assessments of their requirements.
Additionally, future efforts must consider the significant variations in existing capacities among
RBOs, ensuring that tools are developed with these differences in mind. This approach will
facilitate the design of capacity-building programs that align with the tools' requirements,

promoting effective implementation and use.

4. Promoting Cooperation and Collaboration Through Shared Data Practices and Joint
Training

One of the most valuable lessons of this initiative is that by aligning data sharing, joint decision-
making, and collaborative training efforts, RBOs can foster mutual understanding and strengthen
regional partnerships and cooperation. Joint training sessions help bring together technical staff
from different member states, enabling the exchange of expertise, building trust, and enhancing

technical capacity within country members of RBOs and beyond across the African region.
Additionally, unifying data sources and embracing open-access platforms, as highlighted in Pillar
C, enhance transparency, facilitate evidence-based decision-making, and break down political and

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