programmes andresults inlowlevelsofoperation andmaintenance ofexisting projects. Increased attention needstobegiventothegeneration offinancial resources fromnational sources, including, whereappropriate, theinvolvement of theprivate sector andexternal support agencies. 19.20 Waterpollution fromdomestic, industrial andagricultural sourcesisa potentially serious problem fordeveloping countries, although thefulldimensions oftheproblem havenotbeenadequately investigated andanalysed. Salinity and saltwater intrusion intogroundwaterhaveincreased withtheneedforhighe~rates ofabstraction, particularly incoastal areas. Moreattention needstobegivento environmental andhealthconsiderations inwaterresources development, alongwith theinvolvement ofwomeninhealtheducation. 19.21Technological practices areaffected bytechnical, social, cultural and institutional factors. Manycountries areaffected bytechnologies notsuitedto theirparticular conditions andaretherefore notabletooperate, maintain or adaptimported equipment. Technologies should beappropriate tothegiven community andshould bebasedasmuchaspossible onlocalmaterials and manufacture andeaseofmaintenance atthelocallevel. 19.22 Lackoftrained personnel atalllevels andtheinadequacy oftraining facilities andprogrammes constitute severeconstraints tothedevelopment, useand management ofwaterresources. Themainproblems stemfrominadequate t~aining programmes andrigidsystems ofpersonnel management. Muchcouldbegained by givingparticular emphasis totraining womenasactiveparticipants, notonlyin thedesign andmanagement ofwatersystems, butalsoatthepolicyformulation stage. 19.23 Themainobjectives ofthesubprogramme are: (a)Toassistdeveloping countries through technical co-operation activities inordertostrengthen theircapacity tocollect andanalyse dataonsurface and ground-water resources; (b)Toimprove wateruseefficiency through betterplanning andallocation of scarcewaterresources andthrough conservation measures; (c)Toprovide on-the-job training tomiddle-level technicians anddrillers andtousers,especially women,invillage-level operation andmaintenance; -5- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library(d)Tomonitor orintroduce todeveloping countries current technological options fortheassessment, datastorage andretrieval anddevelopment ofwater resources, bothconventional andnon-conventional; (e)Toprepare up-to-date technical pUblications andmanuals onissuesof concern towaterspecialists inthefieldsofground-water assessment, international riverandlake-basin development, water-planning, management, economics andlegislation. (b)CourseofactionoftheSecretariat 19.24Priority willbegiventoimproving theknowledge oftheavailability of waterresources, especially groundwater, andinstitutional strengthening, basedon interdisciplinary approaches, including technical, legislative andeconomic aspects. Development ofspecialized working tools,suchasground-water software formicro-computers usedinassessment andplanning, willbeparticularly addressed. Economic andlegalelements willbeconsidered intermsoftheir structural role(howtheypromote development andconservation), whiletheir regulatory components willberelated tothemainobjectives ofdevelopment and conservation. 19.25Support fortheimprovement ofknowledge willbeprovided through the dissemination ofinformation concerning surface andground-water resources andon technological developments ofrelevance todeveloping countries. Continued support willbeoffered forcarrying outsurveys, pre-investment surveys, andground-water exploration anddevelopment. 19.26 Emphasis willbeplaced onbetterutilization ofexisting supplies of vulnerable andscarcewaterresources through programmes related toreductions in wastage, leakdetection andrepair andcontrol ofexcessirrigation usage,aswell asthrough management ofdemandtocoverreasonable levelsofuseaccording to
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on the development and management of water resources, which is a crucial aspect of sustainable development. The discussion of water pollution, scarcity, and conservation measures suggests a strong connection to the environment and natural resources. The emphasis on technical cooperation, training, and institutional strengthening also implies a connection to economic development and the improvement of living standards.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Economic development