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International cooperation on

water sciences and research

Raya Marina Stephan, Chair, Publications Committee and Tom Soo,

Executive Director, International Water Resources Association

ood knowledge of water resources represents an

important basis for planning their management and

development. This knowledge is often related to the

level of science and research in a country, the available capaci-

ties and various factors such as financial means, objectives of

national strategies and others. International cooperation on

water sciences and research occurs very often and contributes

to filling gaps and developing and sharing knowledge, or enrich-

ing knowledge with specific approaches.

Various frameworks allow such exchanges and cooperation. These

frameworks are more or less formalized and are mainly constituted

by networks of experts organized either in international scientific

associations such as the International Water Resources Association

(IWRA), or in regional and international expert groups such as

the working groups under the European Union Water Framework

Directive or the Arab Integrated Water Resources Network. Other

possibilities for international cooperation are offered by water events

which allow multiple exchanges and meetings among experts from

across the world. International water projects also allow such coop-

eration, often facilitated by international organizations. Finally,

publications and communications about water sciences

and research strengthen international cooperation and

transfer of knowledge.

A network of experts: IWRA

As in other fields, water experts have created and

established scientific associations, offering various

means for exchange among their members. IWRA

represents a recognized platform for exchange among

experts and has become a major organization in the

field of water. Established in 1971, when the world

was just beginning to mobilize around the need to

manage water resources on a global scale, IWRA

was one of the first international and multidisci-

plinary organizations of the water sector. Since its

early years, the association has responded to a rising

call for water resources policy and management to

be addressed on a global and multidisciplinary level.

IWRA thus became an international network and

global knowledge-based forum of multidisciplinary

experts on water resources.

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IWRA representatives discussing a science and technology centre with local authorities in Qingdao

Image: IWRA/Soo