The need for a comprehensive database of the existing water resources and sources can not be over emphasized as the country embarks on the rehabilitation of the destroyed water sources, and the development of new ones. With the increasing demand for permanent water source both for human and livestock consumption, due to increase in the population, it has become necessary to take stock of the available water resources and funds available for development and prioritize intervention strategies taking into consideration the current demand and needs. With the support of UNICEF, working in collaboration with other International Agencies in the water sector, the MOWMR initiated an inventory of all permanent water sources within Somaliland. The survey was conducted from 29th June to 25th July 1999. All the 6 regions of Somaliland namelyAwdal, Galbeed, Sahil, Togdheer, Sool and Saanag were covered in the survey. All known borewells, both functional and non-functional were surveyed. Dugwells within the vicinity of the borewells, potential perennial springs, piped water systems and berkerds within the vicinity of the permanent water sources were also taken into account during the survey. Water quality analyses from selected water sources in areas with high pollution risks were carried out. The study teams also examined the prevailing sanitary conditions around the water sources.

The publication presents an outline of land use policy issues, and of the constraints and perspectives of land use planning for the sustainable land resources management in Sri Lanka. It presents the proposed approach to a participatory land use planning in the light of the FAO's integrated approach to planning and management of land resources management and the profile of a comprehensive programme for Government interventions to implement the approach to assist in finding solutions to the problems of sustainable land resource management.