2 October 2002
2002 CODATA Conference
Scientific Data Issues
nThe broader basin needs to be studied in its totality.
nMany of the SRB problems require very data-intensive studies.
nThe issues and problems confronting the management of the SRB are multisectoral and multidisciplinary, and their resolution will require data and information from many areas and sources.
nThere is generally a lack of baseline data, an inability to compare data, an inability to even find documents, and a serious time lag between data acquisition (e.g., stream flow) and availability.
nThere are many foreign data sources that are relevant, as well as a wealth of information based on the experience in managing other river systems.
The workshop presentations and panel discussions identified a number of key scientific, technological, institutional, and policy issues regarding data for decision making toward sustainable development of the SRB.  These are summarized below.  While they are representative of the views expressed by many of the participants, they do not constitute a formal set of consensus conclusions or recommendations.



Since the livelihoods of so many people depend on water from the SRB or access to the water, and since 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