• UNSECO has established the International Hydrologic Program (IHP) more than forty years ago.  The program acted as UNESCO's international scientific cooperative program in water research, water resources management, education, and capacity-building. IHP is the only broadly-based water science program of the UN system.

The Arab region is the most water-scarce region of the world. Water management problems are already apparent in the region.  The key factors contributing to water resources vulnerability in the Arab Region are: Aridity Low rainfall High evaporation Uneven distribution of water resources Complexity of the hydro-political conditions The rapidly growing human population The deterioration of water quality  The accelerated demand for water  

Climate change may add new uncertainties and water challenges leading to more frequent and severe droughts and floods.

Several core areas have been identified for the Arab region including:

Building capacityFostering knowledge for the assessment and integrated management of water resourcesThe improvement of water information systems.

IHP activities in the Arab region are implemented under the following them

• THEME II:  Strengthening Water Governance for Sustainability

• THEME III: Ecohydrology & Environmental Sustainability

• THEME IV:  Water and Life Support Systems

  THEME V:  Water Education for Sustainable Development