Friday Photo (1) - Joy of Clean Water

From this week, each Friday this blog will publish a photo or series of photos - highlighting the work of geologists and the impacts of their work. If you have a photo you want to share - contact GfGD.

TANZANIA: THE JOY OF CLEAN WATER
Protecting the health and improving the lives of children 
(c) Geology for Global Development 2011 

Hydrogeology & Development Conference 2011

Last week I attended a conference on hydrogeology and development, jointly convened by the Hydrogeological Group of the Geological Society of London and the International Association of Hydrogeologists. It was an excellent opportunity to listen to those working in the hydrogeology sector, and think about the role of the hydrogeologist in global development.

The afternoon began with a presentation by Helen Bonsor, from the BGS, who discussed the BGS's work in developing quantitative maps of groundwater for Africa. This work involved collating existing information, and generating quantitative estimates of key aquifer parameters in order to produce continent-scale hydrogeological maps. This work was crucial for understanding how climate change will affect African groundwater. You can read about their work on the BGS website and see some of the maps resulting from their work.

The second presentation by Dr Mark Cuthbert, of the University of Birmingham, looked at recharge estimation in NE Uganda. An impressive data set looking at groundwater levels was used to determine the amount of recharge in the region (i.e. how much water will be added to the groundwater due to rain, losing streams etc). Understanding recharge is crucial for knowing how to manage water in a sustainable manner - making sure less water is being removed each year than is being added each year). 

The third session was a discussion about the role of the hydrogeologist in aid and development. Thoughts from this session will be documented in a separate and later blog.

The fourth session was presented by Prof. Stephen Silliman, from the University of Notre Dame, who presented this year's Darcy Lecture on the 'development of reliable hydrologic data sets in difficult environments' using case studies from Benin in West Africa. This was an outstanding lecture in which Prof. Silliman argued strongly that reliable and scientifically defensible data-sets can be generated in rural, developing locations where access and finances are limited. Through close collaboration with in-country universities, government agencies, NGOs and local communities, Prof. Silliman was able to monitor the water quality over several years, gathering high-quality and reliable data.

The final session was by Prof. Richard Carter, Head of Technical Support at WaterAid. Prof Carter outlined the importance of systematic supervision when undertaking borehole projects, from ensuring good siting choices to supervising the drilling process itself. His presentation concluded that supervision should include being "systematic about observations, measurements and record keeping - generating important information for decision making, assuring construction quality and cost effectiveness, and monitoring the health and safety of all stakeholders." Currently a common strategy amongst many clients is to ignore good supervision, and to load the risk and responsibility onto the contractor - getting them to choose the sites and only paying them for successful wells. This strategy drives up the prices of boreholes. 

It was very interesting to hear this talk (and many other comments), in light of the work we have been doing on the 'Basics to Groundwater' technical paper. This paper aims to build technical capacity within clients that have no scientific background - introducing them to many key principles within geology and hydrogeology. Hopefully this can be used as a tool to increase the quality and ability of clients to supervise the drilling of boreholes, and other technologies. It was also excellent to hear some very strong success stories, and positive news relating to geologists working closely with other development professionals to contribute to reducing poverty and improving lives.

Earthquake in the Himalayas

An earthquake (M6.9) struck the Himalayas yesterday, impacting areas of India, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Dave Petley has written two helpful blogs on his 'Landslide Blog' site that give a good insight into the geology and impacts of this earthquake. One thing he discusses is the added effect of landslides following the earthquake. As the earthquake hit at the end of the monsoon season, the ground is already quite saturated promoting ground instability, and further wet weather is due.

L'Aquila Earthquake (2009) - The Trial Begins...

As reported a while ago, a number of scientists are to face trial in Italy for failing to correctly evaluate the risk of the L'Aquila earthquake in Italy (2009) and communicate this to the public. They are to be charged with manslaughter. The L'Aquila earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Moment Magnitude scale, and killing over three hundred people was Italy's deadliest quake in recent times. 

This week their trial begins, and many scientists involved in hazard assessment will be watching with a keen interest and much anticipation. BBC Newsnight have produced an article discussing the trial and there is also an interesting article on Nature News by Willy Aspinall, former chief scientist at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory in the Caribbean. He highlights one of the main dangers of this trial - that experienced, knowledgeable and professionals in the field will be much more reluctant to give advice shaping policy and decisions then before - essentially making life even more difficult for town planners etc.

As the trial progresses we will continue to report the latest developments.

How Integration Can Defeat Disease & Poverty

A number of NGOs, including Tearfund, WaterAid, Action against Hunger, End Water Poverty, PATH and Action for Global Health, have recently produced an interesting piece of research called 'Join up, Scale up - How integration can defeat disease and poverty' The research highlights cases where an integrated approach across sectors produced a greater impact, than a less integrated approach. For example, water and sanitation projects being joined with health, income generation or food production projects. In one example from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a water and sanitation project was joined with a project working to end violence against women - which often occurs when women are walking to get water.

GfGD believe in a holistic approach, understanding the interactions between sectors - and it is great to read of many projects in which professionals from different sectors are communicating and working together for maximum impact. You can download the report from Tearfund's website or read their blog introducing it on Tearfund's Just Policy blog site.

Basic Guide to Groundwater: Introduction

Over the past few months I have been writing a 'Basic Guide to Groundwater' for use by those working on water and sanitation projects overseas - who have not had much technical training or had any advanced study of science. The guide is also well-suited to those who speak English, but it is not their first language - using many simple and clear diagrams to communicate the key principles of geology and hydrogeology. 

The guide is less aimed at hydrogeologists, water technicians and water engineers (who are likely to have had some training) and more aimed at those managing, contracting and supervising water projects. It will give them a basic understanding of many important questions such as where is water stored underground, what are pumping tests, how does the water table change over time and what materials make good aquifers? It is hoped that the guide will improve the quality of decision making by such people, and from that improve the quality and sustainability of community water supplies. 

The publication is currently going through the review stage, with copies being distributed to some key individuals to seek their feedback and comments. Eventually it will be freely available as a PDF from the resources page of our main website. We are actively seeking sponsors for this publication, to fund future work and resources and help us disseminate this useful guide to as wide an audience as possible. If your organisation would be interested in profiling themselves within this guide, then please get in contact via our support page to discuss this possibility.

Over the coming weeks this blog will publish some of the text and diagrams from the guide to give you a taste of the sort of things it will cover.

Newswatch - September 2011

Newswatch is a regular round up of some of the key stories relating to the geosciences and international development. This month we look at typhoon triggered landslides, the landslides in Bulambuli (Uganda), World Water Week and the crisis in the Horn of Africa.


Typhoon Triggered Landslides 
Dave Petley's Landslide Blog - hosted by the AGU - has some remarkable pictures of a landslide in Taiwan, triggered by typhoon Namadol, with one comment suggesting the landslide had a runout of 2km. It is well worth having a look at the rest of his site also - with reports from typhoon triggered landslides in Japan also.

Mt Elgon Slopes, Uganda

Uganda Landslides
Following last month's landslide in the Bulambuli area of Uganda, there have been a few reports giving updates about the situation there. One report suggests that food aid has only just reached the 800+ households affected, due to many roads being severely affected by the heavy rains. The Uganda Red Cross has managed to distribute medicine, clothes, blankets, water purifiers, mosquito nets, jerrycans and saucepans - however the need for food has been desperate as many crops were buried by the landslide. Flooding in the area, following heavy rains, has affected a wider area with widespread flooding of pit latrines - putting people at risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera.


World Water Week
Following last week's post about World Water Week here are another couple of blogs written by those who were there. The first is on the End Water Poverty blog and the second, looking at the role of the private sector, is on the Tearfund blog. 

Horn of Africa Drought & Famine
It was welcome to see the terrible situation in the Horn of Africa raised in Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, and it is to be hoped that the political will to continue addressing this crisis is maintained. For the latest information on the situation, The Guardian publish online a weekly blog outlining the funds required and received, and further information.     

World Water Week 2011

Last week was World Water Week, an annual conference held in Stockholm, where experts from across the sector gather to discuss the crucial issues relating to global water supply. Following on from last week's look back at some of this blog's water and sanitation posts - here are a few posts from other blogs covering issues raised at this years conference, and other discussions:

THE GUARDIAN: POVERTY MATTERS BLOG

"Facing up to the Global Water Crisis - Some poor, politically stable countries have made great strides in access to water supply and sanitation. Water experts meeting in Stockholm called for further improvements..."

DUNCAN GREEN: FROM POVERTY TO POWER

Duncan Green, Oxfam's Head of Research, discusses what Oxfam should be doing on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

WATERAID

Read WaterAid's assessment of World Water Week - with blogs and videos from the event.

2011 Bulambuli Landslide, Eastern Uganda

A major landslide has affected the slopes of Mount Elgon in the Bulambuli District of Eastern Uganda. The landslide has been attributed to heavy rains in the region which is prone to large landslides. In a region hit by drought, with many requiring food aid following the lack of April-May rain, these torrential rains, flooding and landslides are a further blow for local communities. 

The landslide in Bulambuli is believed to have killed at least 24 people, including many children. An entire village is reported to have been buried in mud - which suggests that the death toll could rise as the rescue process continues. Sources suggest that further landslides are possible as heavy rains continue and one report suggested that experts had identified a 40km crack along the slopes of Mount Elgon that could put over 8000 people at risk from major landslides. It is believed that these observations were made by researchers at the University of Makerere in Uganda.

In March I wrote a report of a major landslide that had occurred a year earlier (March 2010) in Bududa, Eastern Uganda. The article highlighted the series of problems that led to the landslide occurring and made some recommendations in order to reduce the risk of future disasters. The article called for:

1) RELOCATION: A thorough and detailed examination of the Mount Elgon area to determine the areas at greatest risk of landslides. Those at greatest risk should be relocated. The Governments plans to relocate over half a million people have proved to be slow and unrealistic (as I suggested in March), but some relocation must occur to avoid further serious tragedy.

2) INCREASED SUSTAINABLE FARMING: Working with communities to encourage a more sustainable farming method in the region, reducing deforestation, undercutting of slopes and increasing natural drainage. There are significant concerns that over-farming on these slopes is increasing soil erosion, reducing natural anchorage and thus continually increasing the vulnerability of these slopes.

3) ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS: Improving draining of the slopes and toe weights at the foot of particularly vulnerable slopes to increase stability. In addition some instruments could be used to  measure the conditions of the slope, instruments such as inclinometers (to measure deviation from the vertical - i.e. if the slope is moving) and piezometers (to measure the pore fluid pressure).

Archive: Water and Sanitation Posts

World Water Day 2011

Improving access to clean water and safe sanitation and good hygiene practice (WASH) is essential to strong economic and social development. Over the past six months GfGD has been working to raise the profile of this important issue, and have written a number of blog posts on this subject... 

Key Themes - Water Resources, Climate Change & Infrastructure

A look at the role of geologists in a number of key areas such as water resources, improving infrastructure (including pipelines and sewer systems) and monitoring water resources in a changing climate... Read More

Immunisations, Diarrhoea & The Missing Link

An important piece written on the day that the UK and other countries pledged millions into funding the rotavirus vaccine, aimed at reducing the number of deaths from diarrhoeal diseases. The vaccine, however, is only for those cases caused as a result of the rotavirus, accounting for on average 39% of childhood hospitalisations as a result of diarrhoeal diseases. In order to fully address the problem of diarrhoeal diseases there also needs to be significant investment in, and prioritisation of improved WASH... Read More

Crisis in the Horn of Africa

A series of posts giving some background to the drought and famine in the Horn of Africa, including an analysis of the role of geologists in providing access to clean water and sanitation... Read More

The Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System

An in-depth look at this important water resource in North Africa... Read More

Employment & Research Opportunities

A number of interesting positions, that some of our readers may be interested in, can be found on the earthworks jobs website. If you are interested in advertising a job, PhD or work experience opportunity on this blog and GfGD's website then please get in touch to discuss this possibility.

PhD Position: Developing novel models for earthquake forecasting

Funded three year PhD position suitable for those with a strong interest in seismology, geophysics, physics, statistics, numerical modellling. 

Where: Zurich, Switzerland

Deadline: 18th September 2011

Read More 

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer: Natural Hazard Risk Analysis & Modelling

Exciting opportunity for someone with a background in volcanology, seismology or geohazard risk analsysis - working at the University of Auckland and engaging in teaching and research, as well as working on their Volcanic Risk in Saudi Arabia Project.

Where: Auckland, New Zealand

Deadline: 17th September 2011

Read More

Short Term Consultant: Engineering Geologist

An opportunity for a freelance mining/engineering geologist to undertake 6-8 weeks work logging in West Africa.

Where: West Africa

Deadline: 19th September 2011

Read More

Guest Blog: Hydrogeologists Without Borders

Geology for Global Development (GfGD) is delighted to host their first guest blogger, Geraint Burrows – the UK representative of Hydrogeologists Without Borders. Geraint has an MSc in Community Water Supply from Cranfield University and has worked with a number of NGOs such as the International Rescue Committee, Medecins Sans Frontieres and Tearfund. He is currently finishing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Birmingham. GfGD asked Geraint to share a bit more about Hydrogeologists Without Borders, and how you can get involved:

GERAINT WRITES:

Hydrogeologists Without Borders (HWB) is a relatively new initiative founded by a group of Canadian hydrogeologists in 2005. HWB is a charitable organisation set up with the aim to provide hydrogeological assistance and educational support to areas of the world lacking access to this vital specialism.

Well Jetting (Darfur)

ACTIVITIES

HWB currently has over 200 hydrogeologists on its register; the majority based in Canada, including eminent names such as Dr John Cherry who wrote the famous hydrogeological textbook ‘Groundwater’ (Freeze and Cherry, 1979).

HWB supports six MSc hydrogeology programmes in Central and South America through the HWB Farvolden Fellowship Programme.

HWB is partnering with a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and creating opportunities for HWB members to assist with groundwater based aid and development projects.

CAN YOU HELP?

In the beginning of 2011 a UK based HWB chapter was launched. We are currently seeking to build up a register of hydrogeologists and groundwater engineers within the UK. We are also seeking individuals who would be willing to help with UK based administrative work and fundraising.

If you are interested in becoming part of HWB then please contact Geraint Burrows and visit our website at http://hydrogeologistswithoutborders.org.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Online Petition - Zimbabwe's 'Blood Diamonds'

Recently we posted a blog urging the Government to push for an immediate end to the export of diamonds from the  Marange field of Zimbabwe, while an independent and thorough investigation into alleged crimes against humanity is completed. If you are a UK citizen you can now sign an e-petition calling on Her Majesty's Government to:

(1) Lobby the Kimberley Process (regulating the sale of diamonds) to reverse the decision made earlier this year to allow the export of diamonds from two mines in the Marange region. 

(2) Lobby the Kimberley Process to instigate an urgent, thorough and independent investigation of the allegations of crimes against humanity. 

(3) Act decisively and rapidly on the findings of this investigation, to ensure that profits from the sale of these diamonds does not fuel further conflict in the nation, conflict which pushes people deeper into poverty. Profits must be used to benefit the Zimbabwe's citizens - improving infrastructure, food security, health and education. 

You can find the petition online here, and publicise it using Twitter and Facebook. In the event that this petition reaches 100,000 signatures over the next few months it will be considered for a debate in the House of Commons. Please do forward the link to this petition to anybody you think may be interested.

Geology for Global Development is a UK-based organisation working to raise the profile of international development within the geoscience community. As part of our work we undertake an advocacy programme - aiming to fight poverty and improve the lives of communities around the world through working to shape policy and lobbying Government. You can read more at www.gfgd.org/projects/advocacy.  

International Dimensions of Climate Change

Recently the UK Government's Chief Scientific Officer (Sir John Beddington), and the Government Office for Science, published a document titled International Dimensions of Climate Change, outlining how international climate change may affect the UK and the required response from policy-makers. Even if we do not see significant changes of climate in the UK, there are likely to be significant effects to our foreign policy, security, economy etc from climate change overseas.

The report includes an excellent overview of global climate change (Chapter 2) including key tipping points (page 28) and key effects (page 30-), as well as chapters on the threats and challenges to the UK from international climate change. The report convincingly argues that the global nature of finance, trade, resources, infrastructure and health mean that a changing climate overseas could cause significant challenges to the UK. It also argues that the knowledge and skills of UK engineers, businesses, research institutes and other organisations mean that the UK is well placed to play a leading role in a post-carbon world. There are a number of UK-based geologists, geographers and other scientists playing a significant role on the world stage in this field.

Another aspect of this report, covered the need for behavioural change in the UK. A while ago The Times published an article in which it quoted this report and Sir John Beddington, stating that climate-related disasters should be used by the Government to persuade British voters to accept unpopular policies for cutting carbon emissions. The report argues that there appears to be growing scepticism of climate change, and a low percentage of people believing that individual responsibility is required. The report states:

"Effective, consistent communication and education linking climate change impacts to events overseas allows the UK government to encourage domestic behavioural change and the adoption of low-carbon technologies."

Whilst in theory this sounds like a reasonable recommendation, I have some concerns that this could lead to further scepticism if claims are not made in a responsible manner, without the backing of good evidence and science. There is scepticism when overseas events are declared to be as a result of 'climate change' by the media, NGOs or Government, without any reasonable evidence. Some events most likely are linked to climate change (amongst other things), but credible and reliable evidence must be used to show this. Whilst this report emphasises a number of times the uncertainty in this field, the difficulties and caveats involved within modelling such complex systems, and that policies should be science and evidence based - Government Ministers (as well as the media, NGOs and others) do not always clarify their statements in such a way.

This report is definitely worth reading, very helpful and well qualified. I would certainly hope that if Government's implement some of the recommendations in this report they do so in a responsible manner. Government's must base their conclusions on good evidence-based science - and do not simplify what are often complex issues. We would urge the Government to speak on these issues in a responsible way in order to effectively communicate these important issues. 

Conflict Minerals in the DRC: Complexities in Development

Following on from last weeks article about the situation in Zimbabwe, I noticed that the Poverty Matters Blog on the Guardian website has an interesting article about conflict minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

It outlines some of the deep complexities involved in development in such fragile states. Imposing measures to control the flow of minerals and precious stones are intended to avoid the continued funding of conflict in the region. This conflict has resulted in horrific damage to many communities and mass atrocities, driving people further and further into poverty. The consequence of placing restrictions on the sale of minerals, however, include a loss of income for small-scale artisinal miners, making it harder for them to earn a living. These complexities are an example of the difficult decisions to be made within development work.

Zimbabwe's Blood Diamonds

Photo Courtesy of USGS

At the end of June I wrote about troubles in the Kimberley Process - after a controversial decision was made to allow Zimbabwe to sell diamonds from the Marange field, despite concern that money from these sales would be used to fund violence and human rights abuses. It was deeply troubling, therefore, to see the BBC Panorama programme (available here for the next 12 months) interviewing witnesses who stated that there had been massacres to clear the diamond fields for the military. They also described torture camps where civilians caught mining independently (and others working on the military mines) were beaten, raped and tortured. While these reports are strongly denied by the Zimbabwean government these gravest of allegations must be thoroughly investigated before any Zimbabwean diamonds are allowed to access the world market.

The International Response

The EU initially refused to accept the decision made by the Kimberley Process earlier this year to allow exports of diamonds from two mines. It has since changed its mind, and now backs this partial lifting of the ban, while maintaining that bans should still be in place on the other mines. According to a statement made by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office they are in agreement with this controversial decision. While understanding that experts have assessed the two mines in question and deemed that they meet international standards, if the allegations made by Panorama are true then this calls the decision made by the Kimberley Process into question.


OUR POSITION: The income from the sustainable extraction and export of minerals, precious metals and precious stones can bring tremendous benefit to communities in poverty. There is significant doubt that the income from diamonds in the Marange field will contribute to the sustainable economic and social development of Zimbabwe. If the allegations made by Panorama are true then there must be an immediate end to all diamond exports from this nation, a strengthening of political sanctions and an investigation of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, with arrest warrants issued if necessary.

We would strongly urge the UK Government and European Union to push for a complete ban on all diamond exports from the Marange region until a thorough and independent investigation of these allegations has been made.

If you are a UK citizen we would also invite you to write to your MP to ask them to lobby the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office on this issue. Simply outline your concerns and ask them to push for a complete ban and a thorough investigation. If you are a citizen of another country, we would urge you to contact your appropriate Government representative.

Photos: Volcanism in Chile (3)

A final set of photos, relating to volcanism in Chile. In certain areas around the world associated with active volcanism, groundwater boils due to the proximity of magma and this causes steam and boiling water to erupt at the surface out of a vent. These are quite rare, but make spectacular viewing. These photos were taken at the El Tatio Geysers, Chile.

Newswatch - East Africa

As the situation in East Africa continues to worsen, here are a number of links outlining the current situation:

FAMINE SPREADS

News reports from the BBC outline a famine spreading across Somalia and the first deaths from starvation in Kenya (although no official famine has been announced there).

LATEST DETAILS (UN)

The UNOCHA pages outline the latest information and details, with maps, details of appeals and other information. 

OXFAM

Follow Oxfam and a number of other bloggers as they blog about the crisis in the Horn of Africa for the next 48 hours.

Resources: Useful Links

You can find a number of useful links relating to geology, development, NGOs and more on the main Geology for Global Development website. We try to update this list on a regular basis, and we would be very happy for anybody to send their suggestions to us via our contact form. If you know of any good online resources, blogs or websites relating to any of the various applications of geoscience to development then please do let us know.

Photos: Volcanism in Chile (2)

Geology is a subject that takes you to many beautiful parts of the world. Here are a few more photos of volcanoes in the north and north-east of Chile, taken from a fieldtrip there in 2007.