Shill alert! I am on the Board of Directors of Hydrogeologists Without Borders (HWB).
Our new logo could be mistaken for a measuring spoon. It's the cross section of a hillslope, with the stream on the left and the water table sloping down to the stream. We could probably use a few groundwater flow lines.
On 25 January 2013 fellow HWB BoD member, friend, and colleague David Bethune of the University of Calgary gave a presentation to the Environment Division of the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists in Calgary.
Download HWB_CSPG_Presentation_Jan_2013
I know - you're thinking, 'Just what we need - another water charity drilling wells!' Nope. HWB is not that - we do not seek entry into the business of drilling water wells or constructing/managing water projects in developing regions. We want to supply hydrogeological expertise - so often lacking in water projects - to other groups and countries, both on short term (individual project) and long term (capacity building) bases.
Here is a summary of David's talk:
Abstract
A new non-profit organization, Hydrogeologists Without Borders, (HWB; www.hwbwater.org) has been created to connect the profession of hydrogeology to the international development community focused on assisting marginalized people of the world. Hydrogeology is a key component of development as groundwater has gradually become the most important source of water supply in most of the developing world. This trend is predicted in continue in the coming decades due to population pressures, the limitations of surface water-based supplies and climate change impacts. HWB was registered as a Canadian Charity in 2010. HWB’s mandate is to strengthen developing countries’ capacity in hydrogeology, as well as that of the many water organizations involved in water projects around the world. The primary type of water projects undertaken by such agencies focus on water supply and sanitation (WATSAN) and such projects have suffered as they have not been based on sound hydrogeologic practices in activities such as the construction of water wells and latrines, or assessing the impacts of climate change and watershed management. Initial HWB efforts have employed a two-pronged approach based on1) supporting longer-term capacity development efforts and 2) addressing more immediate needs for hydrogeologic assistance. HWB will focus on a strategic niche, not as the management lead for implementing water projects, but instead will provide a critical and underrepresented technical support role to ensure sound hydrogeology is incorporated into projects and development so that aid organizations, governments or others are strengthened in the ability to deliver water projects more effectively and with greater benefit. HWB will support the development of new hydrogeology technologies that are appropriate for developing countries. HWB also will help build hydrogeology capacity in developing countries through support to hydrogeology graduate programs, students and professors in developing countries. This presentation will include HWB’s newly developed mandate and mission statement, and seeks partnerships with the Calgary geology community.
We are also on Facebook. Check out our Board of Directors and Technical Committee.
Read our Vision, Mission and Goals.
Vision: A world where groundwater is developed and sustainably managed for community water supplies.
MIssion: Hydrogeologists Without Borders builds capacity in emerging regions to provide safe, sustainable water supplies.
Interested? Contact HWB here.
Among other things,we are looking for funding to support an Executive Director.
“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” - Albert Pike
It is good job. I interest to join HWB. My name is Myint Thein, Myanmar Nationality, . I permanent Resident in US. I can send my biography and Professional profile.
Myint Thein
Posted by: Myint Thein | Tuesday, 29 January 2013 at 12:31 PM