International Conference on Water Resources Assessment and Seasonal Prediction

The dynamic assessment and monitoring of available water resources and seasonal predictions are a basis for the sustainable management and use of water resources. To this effect, an International Conference on Water Resources Assessment and Seasonal Prediction is being organized in Koblenz, Germany from 13 to 16 October 2015. The conference is being organized by the German Federal Institute of Hydrology and the German IHP/HWRP Secretariat and co-sponsored presently by WMO, UNESCO, GEOSS and IAHS.

Key objectives of the conference are to:

• Present state-of-the-art research in the quantification and prediction of the world water balance including changes of its components due to environmental factors and climate change
• Identify scientific and methodological approaches to water-resources assessments
• Discuss and further develop seasonal prediction capabilities for water availability and water quality
• Derive requirements for improved integrated water-resources management under conditions of climate change and human-induced changes

The conference will cover the following themes:

1. Scientific approaches to conduct world water balances: Past, present and future
2. Data and observations as basis for the conduct of water balances
3. Drivers of change: changes in the elements of the water cycle and the water balance at global and regional levels
4. Scientific and methodological approaches for water resources assessments
5. Capability of countries to conduct water resources assessments (Case studies)
6. Seasonal forecasting strategies and methodologies
7. The limits of seasonal forecasting
8. Water quality assessments and forecasting of water quality
9. Drivers of change: variability and change of available fresh water resources on national and regional levels
10. Consequences of change for Integrated Water Resources Management
11. Scientific and methodological requirements for improved predictions, water balance and water resources assessments in a changing environment

The conference is expected to conclude with a call for priority actions that aim to influence the formulation and implementation of major science programs and initiatives and discussions in planning for policy options and decision-making in integrated water resources management.