Program

ICIWaRM focuses its program on advancing the science and practice of integrated water resources management (IWRM) in four primary areas:

• planning and conflict resolution;
• adaption to climate change and variability, and to changing demographics and land use;
• water security including the management of hydrologic extremes such as floods and droughts; and
• policy and governance.

Our projects generally seek out, develop and use tools that enhance the practice of IWRM, such as models and remote sensing; involve education and training; and engage our existing networks for effective dissemination of best practices. Regionally, the center is maintaining its work in Latin America and the Caribbean, and building its programs in Africa and Asia.

ICIWaRM endeavors to help IHP establish regional networks where they are needed, strengthen them where they exist, and build their capacity as required. As technical secretariat of the G-WADI program, it has a particularly important role to play in the development and nurture of global and regional networks of water professionals working in arid and semi-arid regions. The role of category 2 centers is gaining importance in IHP-VIII, and ICIWaRM is prepared to play a leading role in this new phase.

The overall scope of activities being undertaken by ICIWaRM and its nodal water sector affiliates includes:

• A focus on practical science, applied research and technology development that can be readily transferred to improve integrated water resources management (IWRM) in developing nations.
• Partnering and supporting UNESCO IHP programs that serve to implement IHP-VIII programmatic objectives related to attaining IWRM objectives.
• Collaborating on joint, applied research, capacity-building and training programs through existing UNESCO Centers.