The International Drought Initiative (IDI) complements that programme and was approved at the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Council in Paris, July 2010. The Regional Centre on Urban Water Management (RCUWM) in Tehran hosts the Secretariat.

Strengthening the capacity to manage the water resources of arid and semi-arid areas through the established G-WADI network was one of the priorities of IHP-VII (2008-2013) 'Water Dependencies: Systems under Stress and Societal Responses’. It continues to be of high importance within the framework of IHP-VIII (2014-2021) 'Water Security: Addressing Local, Regional and Global Challenges'. In particular, it is a key element of the themes on Addressing Water Scarcity and Quality and Water Related Disasters and Hydrological Changes. The IDI programme specifically targets aspects related to drought and its management.

The strategic objective of the G-WADI/IDI Network is to strengthen the global capacity to manage the water resources of arid and semi-arid areas. Its primary aim is to build an effective global community through integration of selected existing material from networks, centres, organizations and individuals. Moreover it seeks to empower local initiatives, for example by links with NGOs. The Network promotes international and regional cooperation in these areas.

Introduction to the G-WADI Programme: http://www.gwadi.org/   

Introduction to the IDI Programme: http://rcuwm.ir/en/an-introduction-to-idi/

Partner: UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (IHP)

Target Segment of the Conference: Hydrological Services - Product Delivery

Relationship to other Conference Segments:

The GWADI/IDI Initiative works particularly on the development of hydrological data products for data scarce areas, such as the provision of real-time rainfall data (GWADI Geoserver), as well as the African and Latin American Monitors for early-warning of floods and droughts. It also engages with national and regional authorities to setup data portals for managing hydrological data.

Geographical coverage:

Global

Connection to the development and delivery of a hydrological service for prosperity:

The GWADI/IDI initiative focusses on strengthening of capacities in dryland countries to address water security challenges.  It provides tools to provide solutions for data scarcity in these regions and technical and institutional assistance to countries in need.