UNESCO´s International Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the only intergovernmental freshwater initiative institutionalised in the UN system. It is governed by an Intergovernmental Council of 36 (rotating) member states.
Please find here a 4 minute video in which Stein van Oosteren, attaché at the Dutch permanent representation at UNESCO, explains UNESCO-IHP:
UNESCO hosts the IHP Secretariat, which coordinates the implementation of the programme together with its network of IHP National Committees, UNESCO Category 1 and 2 centres, UNESCO Water Chairs, and other partners. IHP is implemented in phases and is currently in its eighth phase (IHP-VIII 2014-2021). In this phase, IHP aims to improve water security in response to local, regional, and global challenges and focuses on 6 themes:
- Theme 1: Water-related Disasters and Hydrological Changes
- Theme 2: Groundwater in a Changing Environment
- Theme 3: Addressing Water Scarcity and Quality
- Theme 4: Water and Human Settlements of the Future
- Theme 5: Ecohydrology, Engineering Harmony for a Sustainable World
- Theme 6: Water Education, Key to Water Security
Visit this page for IHPs programmatic brochure.
- Groundwater Resources and Climate (GRAPHIC)
- Information for Arid Zones (G-WADI)
- Droughts (IDI)
- Floods (IFI)
- Shared Aquifers (ISARM)
- Sedimentation (ISI)
- Integrated Management (IWRM)
- Isotopes (JIIHP)
- Water Cooperation (PCCP)
- Urban Water (UWMP)
- Hydrogeological Mapping (WHYMAP)
Visit this website for more info about IHP´s work, programmes, events, publication Water Centres, Water Chairs.
Visit this website for more info about IHP´s Intergovernmental Council and Bureau.