Ain Shams University and Heliopolis Academy of SEKEM
Egypt (Cairo)
17.07.2010 to 21.07.2010
Rationale:
Arid zones occur on every continent in the world and cover 33% of the earth's land surface, taking up significant amounts of some continents (Africa - 57%, Australia - 69%,) and 84% of the area of the Middle East. They are characterized by low annual rainfall 0-600mm, usually hot temperatures up to 47ºC and high evaporation of up to 4000mm per year. 2/3 of the continent is desert or dry lands in Africa. The region is afflicted by frequent and severe droughts. Many African countries depend heavily on natural resources for subsistence. Africa's desertification is strongly linked to poverty, migration, and food security;
The Ecohydrology concept (developed under UNESCO-HP) considers that by integrating hydrologic and ecological processes it is possible to increase aquatic ecosystems carrying capacity and reinstate the good ecological functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The expected role in this approach worldwide is clearly indicated by the fact that the 193 countries at the UNESCO General Conference have adopted the theme “Ecohydrology for sustainability” as one of the five major pillars of the Strategic Plan of the International Hydrologic Programme, at its 7th phase (2008-2013).
Considering climate changes scenarios and the risk for increasing dryness and desertification of arid zones, it is urgent to build local and regional capacities to implement the adequate management approaches that must be based on the Ecohydrology approach. The proposed course on “Tools for the Ecohydrologic Management of coastal systems in Arid and Semiarid zones“, Present new tools and computer based methodologies to improve the management of arid and semi-arid areas as a basis to mitigate water and environmental degradation and related social crises.
Objectives:
The objective of the course is to provide knowledge about the ecohydrologic functioning of arid and semi arid zones and the major threats concerning their sustainability under scenarios of increasing demands and climate change and in using the adequate analytical and modelling tools to test management approaches to sustain coastal ecosystems functioning.
Target Audience:
The course is aimed at university students, researschers, stakeholders and managers with interest and responsabilities in the study and management of inland, transitional and coastal waters and ecosystems, with special focus in semiarid regions.
Course Structure:
The course will be held at the Ain Shams University (including the opening session) and at the Heliopolis Academy of SEKEM,(Cairo). It will have a duration of 5 days with a total of 24 class hours and a 1 day field trip.
It will be composed by both theoretical/seminar sessions and practical Hands-on sessions in a computer lab.
Lecturers
- Professor Luís Chicharo: Director of the International Centrer for Coastal Ecohydrology (UNESCO), Professor at University of Algarve, Portugal. Coordinator of Ecoreach reserarch group at CCMAR, Coordinator at LOICZ regional Node Europe-MENA and PALOP countries.
- Professor Marcelo Gaviño: Associate Professor of the Universidad Nacional de La Plata (Argentina) and Director of the international postgraduate courses “Integrated water resources management” and “Water resources management and ecohydrology” University of buenos aires/UNESCO.
- Dr. Hala Yousry: is Researcher of the Desert Research Center, is member in the Scientific committee to combat Desertification in Egypt and is member at the National Council for Women.
Professor Flávio Martins: Member of the Scientific Board of the International Center for Coastal Ecohydrology (UNESCO) and “Professor coordenador” of University of Algarve, Portugal.
- Professor José Paulo Monteiro: Member of the Scientific Board of the International Center for Coastal Ecohydrology (UNESCO) and Assistant Professor of University of Algarve, Portugal.
- Dr. Radhouan Ben-Hamadou: Senior Researcher of the CCMAR (Center of Marine Sciences), University of Algarve, Portugal, Deputy Director of the International Centre for Coastal Ecohydrology (UNESCO).
- Professor Neil Coles: Project Director of the Centre of Excellence for Eco-hydrology, University of Western Australia (UWA).
Organization:
International Centre For Coastal Ecohydrology | Ain Shams University | University of Algarve | Universidad Nacional de la Plata | Heliopolis Academy of Sekem | LOICZ (Land Ocean Interaction in Coastal Zone) | UNESCO/International Hydrological Programme | UNESCO/Ecohydrology Programme | Programme TEMPUS | Centro de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIMA)| Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR) | Centre For Ecohydrology/University of Western Australia |
