In Zaragoza, UN spotlights use of nuclear technology to protect water resources
The
United Nations agency tasked with promoting safe, secure and peaceful
nuclear technologies will be showcasing its efforts to protect the
world’s water resources at a major exhibition currently being held in
the Spanish city of Zaragoza. The International Expo on Water and
Sustainable Development, which runs from 14 June to 14 September, is
expected to draw 6.5 million visitors from around the globe and will
feature presentations by over 2,000 international experts on
water-themed exhibits, lectures, performances and concerts.
Over the next three days, staff from the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) will be on hand to share information on its efforts in
the area of water, particularly the use of isotope hydrology – a
nuclear technique that helps experts to identify the size, origin, flow
and age of a particular water source, which can help planners to better
manage their water resources.
“Water is probably the most pressing issue in development today,”
said IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear
Sciences and Applications, Werner Burkart.
“The Agency’s work in using isotope hydrology to assist countries to
manage their water resources is of particular relevance. In this
regard, we work very closely both with our member States and with other
agencies in the UN Water group to ensure that nuclear technology is
part of any country’s strategic planning in the area of water,” he
stated.
Visitors to the IAEA exhibit will be able to interact with isotope
hydrology tools, including devices for on-site measurements for water
quality parameters and a laser spectrometer for stable isotope
measurements.
The Agency will also be showcasing a new short film, The Search for
Water, which will be screened for visitors this week. The eight-minute
film details the work of the IAEA’s Isotope Hydrology Section and
features commentary by IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei.
Through its Technical Cooperation Programme, the IAEA currently has
more than 80 on-going projects in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin
America that map underground aquifers, manage ground and surface water,
monitor dam leakage and help control pollution.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is expected to give a speech at the
Expo about the importance of water for social, economic and political
security when he visits next week.
Contact information | n/a |
---|---|
News type | Inbrief |
File link |
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=27836&Cr=water&Cr1=environment |
Source of information | United Nations |
Keyword(s) | nuclear technology, aquifer, hydrology, screen, spectrometer, sustainable development, water monitor, water quality, water resources |
Subject(s) | ANALYSIS AND TESTS , DRINKING WATER , ENERGY , HYDRAULICS - HYDROLOGY , INDUSTRY , MEASUREMENTS AND INSTRUMENTATION , POLICY-WATER POLICY AND WATER MANAGEMENT , TOOL TERMS , WATER QUALITY |
Geographical coverage | Spain |
News date | 29/08/2008 |
Working language(s) | ENGLISH |