Hydrometeorological and Water Quality Monitoring in the SJRB. Costa Rica and Nicaragua

The long-term objective is to create a reliable body of data on water quality, flow volumes and rainfall patterns in the SJRB. For the formulation of the SAP it is necessary to define basic patterns of water discharge, sediment transport and water quality at key points in Lake Nicaragua and the San Juan River and at another set points on tributaries of the San Juan. The exact number of sampling points will be determined at the outset of the study together with the type of monitoring protocols to be employed, laboratory methods and quality assurance and quality control to be used. Monitoring will include both fixed site and "survey" techniques. Institutional capacity in the two countries will be a major consideration and will include training in monitoring, analysis and data interpretation. For Lake Nicaragua the objective will be to define the status of those key physical, chemical and biological parameters that can be used to assess lake response relative to development options for the lake basin. River data will be used to define those parts of the basin that have critical problems in regards to point and non-point sources including rural land use. This initial phase will provide the basis for a component of the SAP that will define a comprehensive and cost-effective bi-national hydrometric and water quality monitoring program consisting of a data network, laboratory programs, quality assurance, data analysis and interpretation, and communication, using approaches that are more suitable to developing countries. Selected existing hydro-meteorological stations will be incorporated and improved.

Hydrographic survey of Lake Nicaragua and the San Juan River. Nicaragua

To be carried out by the Hydrographic Department of the National Water Resources Bureau of INETER, this project consists of a bathymetric survey of Lake Nicaragua and the San Juan River and the setting up of four limnological stations on the former and five on the latter. Twenty-one hydrographic charts will be produced and depths readings will be taken in both the lake and the river. The purpose is to update information collected between 1968 and 1970.

Determination of the plume of sedimentation in the coastal area. Costa Rica and Nicaragua

The main purpose of the study is to establish the extent and rate of sedimentation from the San Juan Basin in coast, and to describe the behavior of coastal currents. The magnitude and geographical influence of freshwater inflows will be measured using remote sensors, with the results checked in situ. The condition of certain coastal sea habitats will also be studied.

Information for the sustainable management of critical aquatic habitats. Costa Rica and Nicaragua

This project will use research and theses of university students who will study the structure, function, and distribution of critical aquatic habitats and ways to best manage them and their populations. By bringing in educational and research centers, the project seeks to gain better scientific knowledge for the management of threatened or overexploited species, including Atractosteus tropicus, Joturus pichardi, Centropomus Parallelus, Tarpon Atlanticus and Carcharinus leucas.

Study of the coastal and marine resources of the Tortuguero Conservation Area and the Indio-Maíz Reserve. Costa Rica and Nicaragua

This is a coordinated bilateral study to be executed by the Tortuguero Conservation Area of SINAC/MINAE of Costa Rica and MARENA of Nicaragua. The purpose is to gauge current conditions and monitor coastal marine species that are being commercially exploited and species that are being over exploited. An effort will be made to identify other options and resource potentials to improve the life of these communities. Basic knowledge of the coastal ecosystem generated by the proposed study will contribute to conserving its biodiversity. The participation of local communities on both sides of the border is an essential part of this project.

Zoning to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards. Costa Rica and Nicaragua

This project will identify risks and propose specific strategies to minimize the vulnerability of economic and social infrastructure. Priority attention will be given to the most densely populated areas (schools, housing, health centers, etc.) or areas with infrastructure such as irrigation systems and dams. The subbasin of the Malacatoya River, which flows into Lake Nicaragua, has been chosen as a pilot area for the implementation of an early warning system and vulnerability reduction measures.

A study of transborder migration and new settlements. Costa Rica and Nicaragua

The purpose of this study is to determine the causes, forms, and extent of current migration between Costa Rica and Nicaragua and toward new settlement outposts, and how this influences the use of natural resources in the SJRB. Problems will be identified and solutions proposed. Socioeconomic and cultural elements will be studied with the participation of university teachers and students. These studies will be a part of the wider research efforts described under Component 1.

Information System. Costa Rica and Nicaragua

It is not the intention of this project to develop new environmental information systems (EIS) for the SJRB. Rather the intention is to strengthen the existing information system to, a) provide comprehensive information for the basin, that is, go from an Information System based on discrete data to a basin-wide information system, and b) develop the mechanisms for information sharing and exchange to support decision-making at all levels: local, national and binational. However certain steps must be taken to deal cost-effectively with the acquisition, integration, manipulation, and communication of the various types of information as noted in Component 2. At the outset of the project, existing capabilities such as GIS will be evaluated, together with other functionalities needed for SAP formulation. System(s) sustainability once the project is completed will be essential. Systems requirements and architecture, communications protocols and data security will be defined and availability of suitable low-cost public domain systems investigated.

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