Open Data Platform

Advancing Water Security in Southern Africa through Open Science

The COWASA  Consortium focuses on transforming water security and drought risk management in Southern Africa. Led by the ITT at TH Köln ( Cologne University of Applied Sciences), the Consortium will utilize the strength of high-resolution datasets and information products to drive local, evidence-based decision-making. By developing high-resolution datasets and information products at local scales, the COWASA consortium will improve data availability and enable the deployment of site-specific adaptation measures.

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Connecting Data, People, and Policy

One substantial tool is the creation of the  COWASA data platform. This interactive platform serves as an inventory of datasets and information products.

However, the COWASA data platform is more than just a data collection. It brings together various open-access hydro-climatic and socio-economic data products that have been optimized.

As part of the COWASA project, multiple open-access gridded hydro-climatic and socio-economic data products will be evaluated and improved through artificial intelligence methods using relevant in-situ information.

The research team utilizes multiple Earth observation products and global modeling efforts to gain a detailed perspective of water uses at the basin scale. This deep dive into data allows us to improve data availability for water security and better manage drought-associated risks.

Designing Cost-Effective Adaptation Measures

The information derived from the datasets directly supports the design of adequate, cost-effective adaptation measures. These measures encompass nature-based solutions (NbS), combined green‐grey infrastructure, and integrated water-energy-food (WEF) solutions.

The Multi-Scale Approach involves working with local researchers and stakeholders, ensuring the measures are locally appropriate and beneficial.

Visit the COWASA data platfrom

Access to the COWASA Data Platform