Developing Countries Tap Future Water Availability
Developing countries often face extreme challenges that negatively affect forests that provide local water supplies. Africa alone has roughly 22 percent forests and woodlands, areas rich with biodiversity, timber, and water resources. However, many of these areas face extreme conditions that threaten unprotected forests and ultimately future water availability. In 2005, Eastern Threat Center researchers collaboratively created the Water Supply Stress Index (WaSSI) model, which predicts how climate, land use, and human population changes may impact forests’ ability to provide ecosystem services such as water supply, carbon sequestration, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Eastern Threat Center researchers continue to expand WaSSI, most recently focused on enhancing user experience in east Africa. Read more in CompassLive...
