The aims of the IAH Burdon Network were agreed after a widespread consultation of groundwater stakeholders. The focus of the Burdon Network is on providing support to those involved in helping to implement the Millennium Development Goals for water. Rural water supply in Sub-Saharan Africa is the area of initial focus, because of the internationally recognised need. Specifically, the IAH Burdon Network focuses on:

• supporting and extending local, national and international networks of African groundwater expertise.
• information and data support through improved publications and the internet.
• promoting the message that a sound knowledge of groundwater resources is fundamental to the successful achievement of the MDGs for water.