Global Groundwater Monitoring Network

Groundwater monitoring is a necessity for a sound assessment of the current state of groundwater resources and for a reliable prediction of its change in the future. Without an appropriate assessment and prediction there could be no effective groundwater management. Recognising that there is a lack of groundwater data around the world, back in 2007 IGRAC started a new initiative to improve our knowledge on groundwater around the world. In the meantime, this initiative has developed into the UNESCOs Global Groundwater Monitoring Network (GGMN) programme.  More info about previous and current GGMN activities is available here.

The Global Groundwater Monitoring Network facilitates periodic assessments of changes in groundwater quantity and quality by aggregating data and information from existing groundwater monitoring networks and regional hydrogeological knowledge. The GGMN is a participatory process that relies upon contributions of networks of groundwater experts. The web-based GGMN application enables users to periodically produce online maps showing groundwater change in time on a regional scale. Simplicity of the application and clear information ownership (data remains with the supplier) are guaranteed to ensure the essential support and commitment of the global groundwater community for the GGMN programme. GGMN is coordinated by UNESCO's International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC).

Download a flyer on GGMN programme.