THE UNESCO IHP WATER ADVENTURE

As noted by Nino Chiappano in his introduction to the book with the same title as this abstract, water is not mentioned in UNESCO’s constitution. Nevertheless, the UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (IHP), which counts its formal beginning as occurring in 1975, or 30 years after the formation of UNESCO, has played a major role in advancing the science mission of UNESCO.

Water is, by its very nature, an international issue. Management of transboundary surface-water basins and aquifers are contentious in many parts of the world, although negotiations on critical water issues in other regions have led to improved overall relations between neighboring states. More than a billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and an estimated 200 million hours are spent each day globally collecting water. Surveys from 45 developing countries show that women and children bear the primary responsibility for water collection in the vast majority of households (76%). This is time not spent working at an income-generating job, caring for family members, or attending school.

Begun in 1975, IHP is the only intergovernmental program of the UN system devoted to water research, water resources management, and education and capacity building. IHP has evolved from an internationally coordinated hydrological research program into an encompassing, holistic program to facilitate education and capacity building, and enhance water resources management and governance.

The U.S. National Committee (USNC) is engaged in a number of related activities, with the ICIWaRM (International Center for Integrated Water Resources Management) being perhaps the most prominent. ICIWaRM is a Category 2 UNESCO Center hosted by the U.S. Army Institute for Water Resources in collaboration with other U.S. institutions and organizations. ICIWaRM promotes the advancement of the science and practice of integrated water resources management. Other U.S. National Committee activities include support of the International Visitors Leadership Program, support of the global network for water and development information for arid lands (G-WADI), and the UNESCO HOPE Initiative, which provides training on water-related issues. In general, the USNC provide broad support and encouragement for US participation in all of UNESCOs water related programs.