Technical Publications

These publications are a sampling of the technical reports and publications generated by USAID's water sector in support of its goals of education and information transfer on freshwater, coastal and fisheries resources issues.

A World of Learning in Coastal Management: A portfolio of Coastal Resources Management Program experience and products (2002) (PDF 711KB)
Booklet and CD that present a comprehensive portfolio of products and experiences generated under the cooperative Coastal Resources Management Program at the University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Center.

Implications for Coral Reef Management and Policy: Relevant findings from the 9th International Coral Reef Symposium (2002)

The report can be downloaded as a single file or by section (PDFs). See list below description.

Education about coral reef management can start at an early age, as illustrated by this poster created by an elementary school student in Bali.

Coral reefs constitute one of the earth's most complex, beautiful, and biologically diverse ecosystems. Many coral reefs around the world are now seriously threatened by overexploitation, destructive fishing practices, coastal development, pollution, and global climate change. In response to these threats, more than 1,500 scientists, managers, resource users, government officials, journalists and others interested in coral reef studies and management gathered in Bali, Indonesia in October 2000 for the 9th International Coral Reef Symposium. This report synthesizes some of the best scientific and management information presented at the symposium and is intended for use by those in positions to conserve, protect, and rehabilitate coral reefs — policy makers, managers, and the public-at-large.

Entire Report (PDF 14.578MB)

By Section

1. Front Cover (PDF 1.728MB)
2. Front Matter (PDF 677KB)
3. Introduction (PDF 1.488MB)
4. Global Status of Coral Reefs (PDF 1.73MB)
5. State of Research Knowledge (PDF 2.562MB)
6. Resource Management (PDF 2.275MB)
7. Socio-Economics and Capacity Building (PDF 1.36MB)
8. Trade and Management (PDF 2.469MB)
9. Assessment and Monitoring (PDF 1.138MB)
10. Global Climage Change and Coral Reefs, Web Links (PDF 1.606MB)

Gender, Population, and the Environment: Finding Common Ground for Coastal Managers(2002) (PDF 2.982MB)
This issue of InterCoast Network looks at the significant roles that population and gender play in influencing and controlling natural resources policy, practices and decision-making.

Towards a Water Secure Future: USAID’s obligations in integrated water resources management for Fiscal Year 2000 (2001) (PDF 1.431MB)
To improve the impact of USAID’s water portfolio, this analysis examined how and where USAID invests in water-related activities and assessed the potential for improved effectiveness and efficiency across the portfolio. Results are provided in two ways. In Part I, obligations are reported as they occur within activity categories. In Part II, USAID water-related activities are described in terms of the results and solutions they provide to world water security issues faced by the global community in the areas of water scarcity, water quality, resource allocation, and disaster preparedness. Examples of USAID programs and activities targeted toward the sustainable use and management of water resources are provided.

Towards a Water Secure Future: The Role of USAID in Water Resources Management (2001) (PDF 139KB)
USAID's activities in the areas of water and human health, irrigated agriculture, coastal zone management, integrated water resources management, disaster preparedness, and drought and flood forecasting worldwide are described in this article, published in the Water Resources IMPACT’s international water-activities edition. IMPACT is a journal published by the American Water Resources Association. Permission for posting this article was granted by the publisher.

Droughts? Floods? Famines? Water is the Key (2000)
(PDF 358KB)
Water scarcity in 2000 affects 450 million people in 31 countries; by 2025, it is estimated that 2.8 billion people in 48 countries will be affected. Water stress occurs not only in arid and semi-arid regions, but also in many densely populated parts of the humid tropics where water was once considered to be plentiful. Intensive irrigation, aquifer depletion and global climate change are major factors exacerbating this growing crisis. Article published in an edition addressing famine prevention of USAID’s Frontlines publication.

International Trade in Coral and Coral Reef Species: The Role of the United States (2000)
(PDF 7.197MB)
Coral reef species are harvested globally for commercial purposes, contributing to the decline and degradation of reefs, primarily through the use of destructive collection practices and resource overexploitation. This report examines the nature and extent of trade-related threats to reefs, assesses the role of the United States in the trade, describes current U.S. activities, and recommends strategies and actions to address these threats.