FAQ
What is SAFFIRE?
SAFFIRE stands for " Strategic Alliance For Freshwater
Information, Resources and Education ". It is an 'umbrella' initiative that
brings together existing initiatives/websites that are working on water
management issues.
Why was SAFFIRE set up?
SAFFIRE was set up to provide a common gateway interface to
explore and understand the contents of the partner websites. It enables a
consolidated search engine that searches all the partnering websites, provides
packaged thematic pages that draws information from the partners, as well as
delivers resources that enables decision-making on water management issues.
What is different about SAFFIRE?
SAFFIRE is different in that it provides value-added services to
disparate and existing online resources on water management. The common search
engine covering SAFFIRE partners enables targeted and direct searching; its
thematic pages enables e-learning on specific topics using resources drawn from
the partners websites; its interactive community pages enable exchange of
information.
What themes are covered in SAFFIRE?
Currently, thematic pages on the following topics are being
developed: Water Resources (Lakes and Reservoirs, Rivers , Groundwater,
Rainwater, Snow and Fog); Degredation and Pollution (Water Quality, Pollution
Prevention, Mitigation and Remediation, Stormwater and Drainage); Availability
and Distribution (Storage and Distribution, Supply and Demand, Efficiency and
Disposal); Wastewater, Sanitation and Sewage (Sanitation, Sewage Treatment and
Disposal, Wastewater Management, Stormwater and Drainage); Policies, Strategies
and Tools (IWRM, Watershed Management, Water and Gender, Standards and Criteria,
Education and Awareness, Institutional Capacity Building); and Water
Technologies (Monitoring, Remediation, Supply, Treatment) - all within the orbit
of integrated water management.
What can I do on SAFFIRE?
Among other things, users can -
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Utilize strategies, tools, policies etc. on water management and
related issues.
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Learn from case studies, analyses and illustrations.
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Visit other websites of related interest
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Do research using the bibliography and references.
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Communicate with other individuals using mailing lists.
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Use e-learning resources
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Contribute write-ups, case studies and articles to the website
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Assist in dissemination of information on SAFFIRE's themes to
non-internet users locally.
Who are the target audience for SAFFIRE?
The range is kept broad, from academics and researchers to
practitioners, including government bodies, local authorities, NGOs, and
community organizations. This broad audience base is necessary due to the
interdisciplinary nature of the contents of SAFFIRE itself!
How can I find more information on SAFFIRE?
Please contact:
saffire@unep.or.jp
