1000 Wells for Darfur: Update from Dr. Farouk El-Baz

Bev Herzog of the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) and my friends at the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) forwarded this email from Dr. Farouk El-Baz of Boston University's Center for Remote Sensing. Dr. El-Baz is the man behind the "1000 Wells for Darfur" project. He sent the email on 16 January 2008.

I have posted a number of items on the Darfur water issue:

• Water for Darfur? A Geologist Meets with Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir;
• The "Lake" in Darfur: Euphoria and Myopia "Rain";
• Darfur "Lake" - Oversold?;
• Darfur: Farouk El-Baz Meets with UN's Ban Ki-moon;
• 1000 Wells for Darfur: Time to Do Some Drilling

Here is Dr. El-Baz's email:

I am in Khartoum and just completed a visit to the State of Northern Darfur This journey might be the crown of my career! The people of Darfur are absolutely wonderful and deserve the help and support of every human being.

As soon as arrived I went to pay respects to the Governor, Osman Kibir. He is a large man with a friendly disposition and great character. He took me to the place where he arranged my lecture. I was absolutely astounded that the hall was huge and filled with people, where there was a computer and projector for a power point presentation with one large front screen and two screens on the sides! I started my lecture by telling them I did not expect this at all and brought paper maps to hand hold. My admiration brought the first round of clapping cheers!

The lecture was followed by a steam of very good questions, which proved that they understood all the science aspects. In his last remarks the Governor stated that among the best lessons is that sand was born by water and later shaped by wind... which is the basic premise of my scientific opinions.

The UN forces arranged for a helicopter to ferry us around to the western part of the State on the first day and the southern on the second. On the third day I called El-Fashir's Mayor to get permission to travel by car, and he insisted to join us, bring the minister of water and all the local technical people of water resources for 2 additional days. This allowed me a good view of the local setting.

I was able to point out new sites for additional wells, and just as important some sites for earth-dams to save water in the wet season for use during the dry season. I now know what details they need, and what I need to impress on the UN and other parties that are concerned about the provision of water in Darfur.

The use of space data to accomplish this might be the best outcome of the space photography yet. I have spoken to local farmers and cattle herders who all emphasized that shortage of water is the root cause of the problem and they all await the provision of more water for a better future. All those I met in Darfur are very smart, well read and are appreciative of the smallest of gestures. God help us all in trying to help them.

An ABC crew (Bob Woodruff) joined me on this trip and they will air a segment on water for Darfur . I hope that this will initiate much support.

--Farouk El-Baz

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead

Comments

[Michael]

Thanks for commenting, Sulafa.

Anything on this site is available for use as long as you attribute the source.

I will post items about Dr. Farouk's work if I receive them. I have no "special sources" of information. You will have to check the site from time to time, or subscribe to the blog. I cannot notify you individually.

[Sulafa]

Dear Author,

I have met Dr. Farouk in person and he told us (my friends and me) with the bone of his tongue his story of how he started the project until the part where he spoke to the Darfurians, which is mentioned in this email.

A group of friends and I are planning an awareness campaign on the Darfur situation and would like to elaborate on the "1000 wells for Darfur" project as a major change in the area.

I write to you to take the permission to use the emails posted in this website. and i'd like you to share with me and update me with whatever new events and evolvements that is taking place now regarding this project, if you have any access to it that is.

the e_mails posted are very much appreciated.

Thank you.