Abstract
The current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 210, with roughly 83 million people being added every year. The upward trend in population size along with an improved quality of life are expected to continue, and with them the demand for water. Available water for human consumption and development remains virtually the same. Additional to the different pressures of the demand side on the available resources (offer side), climate variability and change apply further pressures to the management of the resource. Additional to the increase in evaporation due to temperature rise, climate change is responsible for more frequent and intense water related extreme events, such as floods and droughts. Anthropogenic activities often result in the contamination of the few pristine water resources and exacerbate the effects of climate change. Furthermore, they are responsible for altering the state of the environment and minimizing the ecosystem services provided. Thus, the water security of countries is compromised posing harder challenges to poor countries to address it. This compromise is taking place in a complex context of scarce and shared resources. Across the world, 153 countries share rivers, lakes and aquifers, home to 40% of the world’s current population. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the scientific arm of the United Nations and its International Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the main vehicle for work in water sciences at an intergovernmental level. IHP VIII, IHP’s medium term strategy, aims to assist UNESCO’s Member States (MS) in achieving water security by mobilizing international cooperation to improve knowledge and innovation, strengthening the science-policy interface, and facilitating education and capacity development in order to enhance water resource management and governance. Furthermore, the organization has established an Urban Water Management Programme (UWMP) aiming at promoting sustainable water resource management in urban areas.
Highlights
The International Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the only intergovernmental programme of the UN system devoted to the scientific, educational, cultural and capacity building aspects of hydrology for the better management of water resources
UNESCO-IHP enhances awareness raising of policy-makers at the national, regional and international level on the predictions and risks related to global change, including climate change and human impact
IHP is a truly intergovernmental programme, having its planning, definition of priorities, and supervision of the execution to be decided by the Intergovernmental Council
Summary
The International Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the only intergovernmental programme of the UN system devoted to the scientific, educational, cultural and capacity building aspects of hydrology for the better management of water resources. Each of UNESCO’s six electoral regions elects Member States for membership in the Council. The members of the Bureau remain in office until a new Bureau has been elected (It needs to be noted that following the 23rd session of IHP’s Intergovernmental Council, the role of the ex-officio member will no longer apply and Member States will elect a chairperson, a rapporteur and four vice-chairpersons). Responding to the need to have an impact on the practical management of water resources, IHP networks comprise the scientists and professionals, different sectors, and the society at large, including youth, gender and children groups. Water network with such a wide range of disciplines, sectors and stakeholders
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