Author(s): Helmut Habersack; Anil Mishra; Elfithri Rahmah; Abou Amani
Linked Author(s): Helmut Habersack
Keywords: UNESCO Water Science Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme Hydrology Water
Abstract: In 2025 UNESCO celebrates the 50TH anniversary of the Intergrovernmental Hydrological Programme and 60 years of Water Sciences at UNESCO. The Programme was established in 1975, following the International Hydrological Decade (IHD, 1965-1974), which marked 60 years of hydrological and water sciences at UNESCO and made a tremendous contribution to advancing our understanding of the water cycle. The IHP has enabled an integrated approach to watershed and aquifer management by developing and providing tools, methodologies and approaches to address complex interrelated water resources challenges faced by Member States. The IHP Programme developed over time from the single discipline of hydrological science to a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary programme. The current ninth phase of the IHP covering 2022-2029 identifies five interrelated and intertwined priority areas with the overall theme of “Science for a Water Secure World in a Changing Environment”: Science, Research and Innovation (Priority 1), Water Education in the Fourth Industrial Revolution including Sustainability (Priority 2), Bridging the data and knowledge gaps (Priority 3), Integrated and Inclusive Water Resources Management under conditions of global change (Priority 4), Water Governance based on science for mitigation, adaptation and resilience (Priority 5). As a unique part, the UNESCO Water Family was created, whose members serve in their fields of specialization, thematic areas as well as their national, regional or international scopes, as pools of expertise to provide training, technical assistance and services to Member States, cooperation partners and also internally to the network of UNESCO field offices.
Year: 2025