The UNESCO Ecohydrology Programme was officially introduced into the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) in 1996 as a scientific framework designed to counteract water degradation and biodiversity loss through the dual regulation and application of ecosystem processes in water management (currently known as Nature-Based Solutions). Today, ecohydrology remains a key pillar of integrated water management, connecting hydrological and ecological processes to support sustainable development.
A Brief History of the Ecohydrology Programme
- Origins (1996):
The programme emerged during Phase V of UNESCO-IHP, “Hydrology and Water Resources Development in a Vulnerable Environment”. Its central ambition was to enhance the conservation and rational use of land and water resources by better understanding the interplay between hydrological and biological processes. - Scientific Foundations:
Developed largely by Prof. Maciej Zalewski, ecohydrology introduced the concept of dual regulation, using both ecological and hydrological processes as effective tools for water quality improvement and ecosystem resilience. - Demonstration Sites Network:
In 2006, UNESCO established the first 10 Ecohydrology Demonstration Sites to showcase practical, transdisciplinary, and innovative water management solutions.
Today, the network has grown to 63 sites across 36 countries, each serving as a living laboratory of applied ecohydrology. - Current Direction:
Under the IHP-IX phase (2022–2029), “Science for a Water Secure World in a Changing Environment”, the programme emphasizes Ecohydrology Nature-Based Solutions (EH NbS) and transdisciplinary approach to solve the global water crisis.
Evolution of the Ecohydrology Web Platform
The first Ecohydrology Web Platform was launched in 2015 in collaboration with the International Centre for Hydroinformatics (CIH). In 2025, UNESCO initiated a complete renewal of this system, integrating it into the UNESCO Open Science Platform, which brings together all UNESCO science-focused initiatives under a single framework. This redevelopment is carried out in partnership with the European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology (ERCE), UNESCO Category II Centre.
What’s New in the 2025 Ecohydrology Platform?
1. A Modern, Expanded Structure
The platform has been redesigned with greater capacity and improved accessibility. It now integrates additional Ecohydrology initiatives such as the LAB-Network and the Ecohydrology Youth Network, creating a unified space for collaboration.
2. A Stronger Demonstration Sites System
The demosites section has been fully rebuilt to increase visibility, impact, and communication potential.
Each site now features:
- a modern, user-friendly layout
- more emphasis on the actions implemented on-site
- better tools for sharing achievements and inspiring others facing similar challenges
3. A New Application and Management System
A brand-new account system has been created for demosite coordinators, allowing:
- quick updates of site information
- more responsive network management
- integrated applications for other initiatives (LAB Network and Youth Network)
We Invite You to Explore
Please enjoy the new Ecohydrology Platform.
If you have suggestions or would like to contribute to further improvements, feel free to contact:
Dr. Paweł Jarosiewicz
Ecohydrology Platform Coordinator
�� p.jarosiewicz@erce.unesco.lodz.pl
Dr. Elfithri Rahmah
Chief of Capacity Development and Water Family Coordination Section
�� r.elfithri@unesco.org