Inthewaterresources sector: (a)Collecting, processing anddisseminating hydrological andhydrogeological data; (b)Conducting studies onhydrological-hydrogeological networks distribution andparameters pertaining towaterbudgetevaluation; (c)Conducting studies onwaterresources development, conservation and management andwaterresources technologies; (d)Organizing training progr~es, technical meetings andseminars atthe subregional andregional levels, inparticular, onissuesoflowcostand appropriate technologies andnon-conventional waterresources techniques; (e)Mobilizing financial resources forwaterresources development inthe region; (f)Promoting the\development ofadequate waterresources tomeetthe challenging andgrowing demandforagricultural anddomestic watersupply; (g)Developing humanresources andinstitutional set-ups forefficient water resources management. Inthemineral resources sector: (a)Collecting, processing anddisseminating dataandinformation onmineral resources, throughout theperiod ofthemedium-term plan; (b)Conducting studies onmineral resources availability andmanagement, -including recent technologies formineral exploration andprospecting; (c)Formulating training programmes andcontributing totheirimplementation; (d)Organizing meetings andseminars fortheimprovement ofindigenous technical capabilities inthemineral sector. -20- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library, SUBPROGRAMME 8.ENERGY ISSUES (a)Objectives 34.74 Thelegislative authority ofsUbprogramrne 8derives fromGeneral Assembly resolutions 38/151; 39/176, paragraph 8,39/173; 40/208; 41/170; 41/212; and 43/193; andtheNairobi Programme ofAction fortheDevelopment andUtilization of NewandRenewable Sources ofEnergy, paragraphs 52(b),l(c). 34.75 Giventhatthedemand forenergy intheESCWAregion hasbeenrising andhas beenforecast toincrease significantly overthenextfewdecades, ithasbecome essential thatcomprehensive energy pla~sonboththedemand andsupply sides (conventional andrenewable), bedrawnuptoensure thatenergy requirements are metinthemosteffective way. 34.76 Thelackofadequate energydatacontinues tobeamongthechiefobstacles tothepreparation andimplementation ofcountry energy plans. Theenergy balances drawn upbyanumber ofESCWAcountries arenotsufficiently accurate or comprehensive toserveasabasisforareliable assessment oftheirenergy situations. Themethods usedinpreparing energy balances inmostcountries ofthe regio~ alsolackthedatathatwouldpermit themonitoring ofoperations carried outbetween initial production andfinalconsumption. 34.77 Theexcessive useofdepletable energy resources andthelackofappropriate policies andmeasures formoreefficient useofenergy, whichstillresult in substantial wasteinseveral sectors, require thatthewholequestion ofenergy consumption beanalysed andwaysfoundtoraisethelevelofefficiency inenergy consumption. 34.78Activities undertaken intheESCWAregion forthedevelopment ofrenewable' sources ofenergy arelargely limited toresearch andpilotprojects. Otherthan inafewrestricted cases, suchactivities havenotextended totheapplicational aspects ofthedevelopment ofnewandrenewable sources ofenergy, especiallY as regards theenergy needsoflocalcommunities undervarious climatic andsocial conditions. 34.79 Withregard totheuseofnon-conventional energy, particularly nuclear energy, activities intheregion havesofarbeenconfined toselected research in limited fields byasmallnumber ofcountries. Therefore, thereisaneedfora closeregional co-operation through thecontribution totheimplementation ofjoint nuclear energy projects forvarious peaceful purposes. 34.80Untilrecently, littl~attention hasbeengiventotheadverse environmental effects oftheextensive useoffossilfuels. Environmentally, soundmanagement of
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a document outlining the objectives and activities of a regional organization in the Middle East and North Africa (ESCWA) related to energy and natural resources. The text highlights the importance of collecting and disseminating data, conducting studies, and promoting the development of renewable energy sources, as well as addressing the environmental and social impacts of energy consumption. The text also mentions the need for regional cooperation and joint projects.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Energy