International Hydrological Programme

About water and cultural diversity

The project will create an informative and interactive database and community of practice around water and cultural diversity. The website will provide the interface between policy and science.

Our strategy is divided into 4 steps and spans over a 2-3 year period:


Step 1: We will concentrate on compiling information on the topic of water and cultural diversity through the beginning of 2008. We will look for publications, organisations and people working on the topic. We appreciate your input, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Step 2: In mid 2008 we will put a database online which will include a bibliography of books, journal articles, conventions, case-studies and events on water and cultural diversity. We will also provide a directory of organisations and experts working on the topic. A glossary will explain terms that are central to the topic. The database will allow users to download and upload information. Read more about the concept for the database.

Step 3: By mid 2009 we plan to put the interactive part of the website into action. We will create a community of practice around water and cultural diversity. There will be possibilities to interact through web-conferences, a forum and a laboratory. Read more about the concept for the community of practice.

Step 4: The long-term outcome of the project will be the development of methodologies for water scientists and practitioners, as well as guidelines for policy-makers. We seek to initiate and support cutting-edge research in the field of water and cultural diversity.

The objective is to develop a website that will act as an information portal for:

  • Water experts, practitioners and policymakers
  • Researchers and students
  • Governmental and non-governmental organizations

  • Local communities


If you would like more information or would like to be involved in this new initiative, please contact Lisa Hiwasaki


PARTNERSHIPS
PCCP (From Potential
Conflict to Co-operation
Potential)


PCCP aims to foster co-operation between stakeholders and nations in the management of shared water resources. Cultural diversity is a key factor in transboundary co-operation.


LINKS (Local and Indigenous
Knowledge Systems)


The LINKS project builds a dialogue amongst traditional knowledge holders, scientists, resource managers and decision-makers. It hence combines cultural diversity with the conservation of biodiversity.

MAB (Man and Biosphere Programme)
MAB proposes an interdisciplinary research agenda to improve the relationship of people with their environment. It supports the project on biodiversity and cultural diversity.

UNU-IAHS Research Traditional Knowledge Water Programme


Aims to empower indigenous communities in relation to their water and traditional knowledge by fostering and strengthening partnerships.

The Philosophy of Water Project

The Department of Philosophy of the University of North Texas and The Dixon Foundation of Dallas launched this project, which aims to approach water issues at the interface of cultural, social-political, philosophic and scientific analyses.

IWHA
International Water History Association (IWHA) UNESCO supports IWHA’s book series on world water history. By looking at the history of the relationship between water and humankind, IWHA takes up the topic of cultural diversity.