Skip to main content

Scientific Data for Decision Making Toward Sustainable Development: Senegal River Basin Case Study Summary of a Workshop (2003) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

4 Summary Issues Raised by the Participants at the Workshop
Pages 30-34

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 30...
... While they are representative of the views expressed by many of the participants, they do not constitute formal consensus conclusions or recommendations. SCIENTIFIC DATA ISSUES · Because the livelihoods of so many people depend on water from the SRB or access to the water, and because the quality, movement, and temporal extent of the water all determine aspects of human and livestock health, the broader basin needs to be studied in its totality.
Read the entire page →
From page 31...
... In a system where timing of artificial floods, saltwater intrusion, and other variables are critical for agricultural and health management, these problems portend serious management issues with major consequences for human health and livelihoods, issues that have earlier resulted in significant conflict. There is a need to identify and assess the status of all data resources concerning the SRB (not only the ones identified through this workshop)
Read the entire page →
From page 32...
... Effective Internet links will be essential for deriving maximum benefits from distributed digital data holdings throughout the region, and beyond. · There is a need to have a standardized, modern cartographic GIS as a tool to integrate the diverse data resources in support of various decisionmaking and policy-formation activities, both for the SRB and for many other applications and geographic areas.
Read the entire page →
From page 33...
... There is a need to use trusted people who speak the local language in converting and diffusing the knowledge derived from the original data into relevant public action. For example, an HIV awareness initiative used a national and regional network of journalists who were given advance training with a grants program.
Read the entire page →
From page 34...
... An approach found successful elsewhere to make the data available is to use these data in university teaching of scientific method and environmental assessment, and other educational exercises. Not only are results contributing to current knowledge but they also multiply potential users many fold through the graduating students who move on to responsible careers in government, academe, and industry.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • data holdings
  • collection activities
  • distributed data
  • data resources
  • baseline data

  • data sharing
  • reliable data
  • administrative entities
  • determine aspects
  • compare data

  • saltwater intrusion
  • longitudinal studies
  • structured data
  • temporal extent
  • socioeconomic connections

  • demonstrated throughout
  • bring issues
  • significant management
  • potential participants
  • public figures

  • standardize measurement
  • views expressed
  • time lag
  • comprehensive strategy
  • people listened

  • individual researchers
  • data acquisition
  • diverse data
  • include government
  • linking regional


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.