Hempel Gotthilf, Daler Dag
GIWA, University of Kalmar, SE-391 82, Kalmar, Sweden.
Ambio. 2004 Feb;33(1-2):2-6.
Why GIWA? Six years ago several people had their doubts as to whether a Global International Waters Assessment would be worth the money and effort. Nowadays, it is no longer necessary to justify the creation of GIWA. On the contrary, we will show how important it was that the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and UNEP, constituted GIWA. Countless water-related assessments focus on specific regions and/or specific issues. But GIWA is unique in its global and holistic policy-oriented approach applying a common methodology to address the major problems in all parts of the global hydrosphere. One major achievement of GIWA will be the GIWA publications which provide advice to GEF and other decision-making organizations. Further assets include the network of regional focal points and teams. GIWA encompasses marine, surface freshwater, and groundwater systems, following the flow of water from the sources in the mountains through the rivers and estuaries into the coastal waters and the shelf seas. GIWA studies the physical, chemical and biological properties of those waterbodies and living resources in relation to the human activities, combining ecological and socioeconomic considerations.
为什么是全球国际水域评估（GIWA）？六年前，一些人对全球国际水域评估是否值得投入资金和精力心存疑虑。如今，已无需为创建GIWA进行辩解。相反，我们将展示全球环境基金（GEF）和联合国环境规划署（UNEP）设立GIWA是多么重要。无数与水相关的评估聚焦于特定区域和/或特定问题。但GIWA独特之处在于其采用全球和整体的政策导向方法，运用共同的方法来解决全球水圈所有区域的主要问题。GIWA的一项主要成果将是为GEF和其他决策组织提供建议的GIWA出版物。其他资产还包括区域协调中心和团队网络。GIWA涵盖海洋、地表水和地下水系统，追踪水从山区源头经河流和河口流入沿海水域和陆架海的流动过程。GIWA研究这些水体和生物资源的物理、化学和生物学特性与人类活动的关系，综合考虑生态和社会经济因素。
