International Hydrological Programme

International Hydrological Programme (IHP)

IHP is UNESCO's international scientific cooperative programme in water research, water resources management, education and capacity-building, and the only broadly-based science programme of the UN system in this area.


IHP’s primary objectives are:

  • to act as a vehicle through which Member States, cooperating professional and scientific organizations and individual experts can upgrade their knowledge of the water cycle, thereby increasing their capacity to better manage and develop their water resources

  • to develop techniques, methodologies and approaches to better define hydrological phenomena

  • to improve water management, locally and globally

  • to act as a catalyst to stimulate cooperation and dialogue in water science and management

  • to assess the sustainable development of vulnerable water resources

  • to serve as a platform for increasing awareness of global water issues.


The planning, definition of priorities, and supervision of the execution of IHP are ensured by the Intergovernmental Council. The Bureau of the Intergovernmental Council of the IHP co-ordinates the work of the Council between sessions.