International Hydrological Programme. 50 th session of the IHP Bureau (Paris, 31 March 1 April 2014) Summary

Transcription

1 IHP/Bur-L/Ref. 7 Paris, 13 March 2014 International Hydrological Programme 50 th session of the IHP Bureau (Paris, 31 March 1 April 2014) PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF WATERSHED AND BIO-RESOURCES IN ARID AND SEMI-ARID REGIONS IN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN AS A CATEGORY 2 CENTRE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF UNESCO. Item 6.1 of the provisional agenda Summary The 49th session of the IHP Bureau reviewed an initial proposal from the Government of the Islamic republic of Iran for the establishment of an International Centre for the Integrated Management of Watershed and Bio-Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Bureau recommended that the Government Iran revisit the proposal and explore with the Secretariat the inclusion of clear contributions to IHP-VIII and links to other already existing category 2 centres and IHP initiatives. The Secretariat informed the Government of Iran of the Bureau s recommendation. On 9 March 2014, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran submitted, through the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO. This document contains the revised proposal as submitted by the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO. Action Expected of the Bureau: Please refer to document IHP/Bur-L/9.

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3 In The Name of God Proposal for the Establishment of an International Center for the Integrated Management of Watershed and Bio- Resources In Arid and Semi-Arid Regions Islamic Republic of IRAN UNESCO s fundamental role, its mission and objectives in enhancing international cooperation in the fields of water, environment, science and technology and expanding the knowledge base for watershed management, sustainable development and adaptation to climate change through international hydrological program as the only intergovernmental program of the UN system devoted to water research, water resources, management and education and capacity building. According to this fact that the IHP networks is proving to be an excellent delivery mechanism for IHP activities in particular science water and associated ecosystems has become a principal priority for UNESCO due to the increased importance of water issues at local, regional and global scale and the recognition that IHP is an effective and proven framework in which to establish international or regional centers (Category 1 and category 2 centers) UNESCO water family operates as a global network that works together to implement the organizations strategic goals, the new phase of IHP (IHP VIII) follows the millennium development goals (MDGS) era and envisions new challenges. Regarding the mission of UNESCO to address water security and water related challenges by regional and global action through new knowledge, innovative technologies, collaborative interdisciplinary scientific research, networking, training and capacity development within the frame work of 6 themes of the IHP VIII phase and the activities which will be conducted 3 strategic axes, the world water assessment program and the MDG s era and new challenges which was set in Rio +20. As a country that is located in an arid and semi-arid region Iran has valuable and excellent experiences in adapting to difficult climatic conditions, sustainable use of soil and water resources, indigenous knowledge of conservation and the storage of precipitation,

4 harvesting of groundwater through Qantas, the historic hydraulic structures with over several hundred years of age, agricultural development on slopes area and etc. Based on successfully implementation and experiences of several watershed management activities 1, the Islamic Republic of Iran proudly announces its support for the establishment of the subject center in Iran. The government of Islamic Republic of Iran has proposed the establishment of an international center for the integrated management of watershed and bio-resources in Arid and Semi-Arid region as a category II center placed under the auspices of UNESCO in Tehran. More than 65 years of Iranian contribution to UNESCO (through Iranian national commission for UNESCO) and 40 years of Iranian contribution to UNESCO IHP(through Iranian national committee for IHP) will be transfer in to this center which will serve the UNESCO member states. This center in principle is a platform that accommodates watershed management soil conservation, natural resources, forestry and range management, soil moisture, rainfall storage, desert and dust control, soil erosion and sedimentation, integrated watershed management, climate change and agriculture for sustainable development, global changes and climate variability in arid and semi-arid regions, climate change impacts on the hydrological cycle and resulting impact on water resources, hydro hazards, hydrological extremes and water-related disasters. - Goals &Objectives: The proposed center will act as an international and regional platform for research and training. The core themes and objectives of the center are closely matched with UNESCO s mandate and its objectives and priorities. The center playing a key role according to the following goals and aspects: Scientific regional cooperation, capacity-building and awareness-raising at all levels; Knowledge and information transfer through publications; Improve in-service training in all aspects of Watershed Management; Improve data collection and analysis for Watershed Management; Broaden the knowledge-base with respect to Watershed Management; Build on and improve institutional frameworks for Watershed Management; Develop area-specific adaptation strategies; Incorporate Watershed Management into school and university curricula; Targeting actions to both livelihoods and natural resource conservation objectives 1 Find Annex 1

5 Addressing the following research: Climate change and Water-related disasters impact on water and natural resources Groundwater and surface water in a changing environment Water scarcity, quality and pollution control Watershed and stockholders of the future Water education, training, capacity building and research to achieve the UNESCO water family priorities. Watershed management programs focusing on Poverty reduction, Upstream and downstream interrelations, Incentives for sustainability Watershed Integration of land and water resources, the causal link between upstream land and water use and downstream impacts and externalities, Green economy (water, food, energy nexus) - Function: the International Center of Integrated Watershed Management and Bio-Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions are to promote scientific research; create and develop networks for scientific, technical and policy information exchange, develop and coordinate cooperative research activities, organize knowledge and information transfer activities, as well and a strong program of information and communication technology, provide technical consulting and advisory services in the region and beyond. The function and terms of references of the center are as follow: The center will provide a flagship for watershed, water scarcity, drought, flood, climate change, bio resources and etc. Theoretical, experimental and applied research in land, soil and water interactions and global (environment and climate) change related aspects of Arid and semi-arid regions. Applied research on information and knowledge management, integrated decision making and learning processes within focusing on issues of global and specifically societal changes. Advanced post graduate training (MSC and PhD. Degrees, post-doctoral fellowship, short courses and field schools), scholarship and exchange programs for scholars. Research focused on the interdisciplinary aspects of Watershed management will promote and support sustainable development and management of watershed basins and serve the needs of local communities; Create and reinforce a Cooperative Information Network (CIN) for the exchange of scientific and technical data, information and knowledge on watershed issues among the institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations and individuals in the region and beyond (such as UNSECO's IHP);

6 Capacity Building and Promoting Partnership through cooperation in technical and scientific research projects and training programs; Dissemination the result of the research undertaken through seminars, training courses, workshops, conferences and periodic publications and would serve as intensive data base (on watershed data, State - of - the art knowledge, list of scientists, etc.) And information to other countries and regions with emphasize on Arid and semi-arid regions. Facilitate the development of inter an institutional and multi-national research and educational activities that support and contribute to strengthening of the existing scientific and academic institution in the region at all the levels. Develop, Promote, transfer and exchanging experiences regarding of appropriate technologies related to watershed management; Educational and training in all academic levels from primary school to graduate seminars. Organizing knowledge and information transfer activities on the subject, including international training courses, symposia or workshops, and engaging in appropriate awareness-raising activities; Knowledge transfer by means of lectures, conferences, seminars, round tables, conferences, workshops, publications, audio-visual material, documentation and information centers, etc.; Empowering communities with good governance and participatory approaches in decision-making in order to provide the final link to achieving the Center s objectives; Provide technical assistance, consulting and advisory services in the region and beyond as required; Contributing to achievement of UNESCO s strategic programs, objectives and intersectoral program priorities; Sharing of knowledge from other UNESCO s water centers, initiatives and establishing formal ties with other centers and chairs in UNESCO IHP family; Joint programs implementation linkages and inter action with the field offices, category Ι centers and other category ΙΙ to the centers; Active interaction with UNESCO IHE Institute for water education in the field capacity development, education and research in foreseen; Close partnership and cooperation with UNESCO regional offices and Tehran UNESCO office. Joint publication with UNESCO- IHP family;

7 Sharing the work plans with other related category Ι and ΙΙ centers; New thinking and positive action toward water-related challenges and their impact on the world s environment, health, climate, economic and poverty reduction agendas; Potential impact of the Centre on international scientific and technical cooperation in the region is thus significant; Other functions of this center include generating and providing scientific and technical information, promoting research, knowledge and enhancing regional capacities, undertaking effective capacity building activities and promoting cooperation with other international institutions; Establishing this center allows for researchers, managers, scientists and local/international authorities to gain appropriate knowledge from best practices in innovative system management; Countries in the arid and semi-arid zones will benefit from the International Center for the Integrated Management of Watershed and Bio-Resources in Arid and Semi- Arid Regions, since it accommodates the means for promoting an international exchange and share of experience, best practices and knowledge. Given the Organization s mission to transfer applicable scientific knowledge, increase know-how and capacity in multiple dimensions of Watershed Management and Natural Resources activities to enhance stakeholder livelihood in the regional/countries. In this view, target audiences are: - Academics - Community leaders - Opinion makers - Stakeholders - Policy- makers - Politicians - Diplomats - Law makers - Members of NGOs and civil societies - Women and youth - Journalists - Media professionals

8 Moreover, bearing on the special managerial responsibilities regarding the development of the Center entrusted with the Iranian Ministry of Jihad-e Agricultural: The willingness of The Islamic Republic of Iran, to propose and undertake the establishment of an International Center for the Integrated Management of Watershed and Bio-Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions in Iran as a category II UNESCO institute. Establishment of such a center will definitely assist the development and exchange of watershed science and environment technology and strengthening cooperation among the countries. - Budget The center will operate on the bases of core administration and salary founding research project based founding linked to the research identified. The government of Islamic Republic of Iran of express it readiness to provide the center financing. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran hereby expresses its readiness to provide the Center with the following facilities: Regular annual budget; Qualified personnel; Expertise, facilities and assistance to related centers as well universities, research centers and institutes and NGO's; Establish links between the center with related national, regional and international centers, especially with water related UNESCO category I and II centers Appropriate space for research, equipped with facilities to support research activities: Modern teaching and research laboratories (Rainfall Simulator, Hydraulics Lab, ) Library and reading room containing international journals in considerable numbers Computer room, conference room, internet access and Wi-Fi Accommodations and restaurants Additional training founding particularly for short courses will be sought through appropriated agencies and above mention institutions. Subsequent to a feasibility study conducted by UNESCO and in the light of the strong support of the Iranian Ministry of Jihad-e Agricultural, SCWMRI and FRWMO, the Department of Bio-Resources Engineering, University of McGill, Canada, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) of the Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture, Faculty of Natural Resources of Tehran University, and the Iranian Vice President for Science and Technology, as well as the strong support of the Iranian National Committee for IHP for the establishment and functionary of the center, the exact location of the International Center for the Integrated Management of Watershed and Bio-Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions is introduced, namely to be hosted by the Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute and/or Forest, Range and Watershed Management Organization of Iran in city of Tehran.

9 All expenses of the related feasibility study will be covered by the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran. - Partners: World Water Assessment Program (WWAP) Associated IHP programs: FRIEND, ISI, IFI, IDI, HELP and GWADI UNESCO UNESCO IHE and Other UNESCO s Water Family FAO WMO ICARDA ECO Iranian Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute (SCWRI) Forest Range and Watershed Management Organization (FRWMO) Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREE) of Ministry of Jihad Agriculture Iranian Vice President of Science and Technology Faculty of Natural Resources of Tehran University The Department of Bio-Resources Engineering University of McGill in Canada Iranian National Committee for IHP and Iranian National Commission for UNESCO Regional center on urban water management (RCUWM) International Center on Qanats and Historic Hydraulic Structure (ICQHS) UNESCO Chair in Water and Environment for Sustainable Cities, Sharif University of Technology, I.R of Iran. - Type and nature of cooperation sought with UNESCO: The center is available contribution to meet the strategic program objectives of UNESCO and its IHP as well as WWAP. The goals of IHP VIII and the core themes and objectives of the proposed center are closely match with UNESCO-IHP activities. These objectives address IHP VIII them 1 (Water-related disaster and hydrological change), them 2 (Ground water in changing environment), them 3 (addressing water scarcity and quality), the 4 (water and human settlements of the future), them 5 (Eco-Hydrology engineering harmony for a sustainable world) and them 6 (water education key for water security) The center also contributes significantly to fulfilling the ambitions millennium development goals (goal 1, 7 and 8) Activities will draw on existing collaborations and research projects with local and international donors and institutions making use of international experience but tailoring this to region needs.

10 The center seeks to collaborative with UNESCO s water family trough participation in their ongoing activities, sharing work plans, joint activities and projects and publications, field visits and joint meetings, software and data sharing, exchange staff andinformation on activities, sharing publication, founding opportunities and initiatives establishing formal ties with other center and chairs in the UNESCO IHP Family. The center can also act as a regional coordinator for UNESCOIHP activities through its partners and well establish tie with national committees for IHP in active interaction with UNESCO IHE in field of capacity development education and research is foreseen. In addition this center has been active in associated IHP programs (FRIEND, HELP and...) Worldwide scientific network and operational services as well as transfer of information and knowledge through IHP are the key for a successful operation of the proposed center. The existence of the center will be subject to review every 6 years (in accordance with UNESCO policies) - Governance and managerial aspects: The center is to be composed of a governing board, scientific board and a secretariat. Governing board The governing board which will meet annually and consist of; - Representatives of ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture (Ministry, AREE, SCWRI, FRWMO); - Representative of the director general of UNESCO; - Representatives of UNESCO IHP and water family (IHE, RCUWM, ICQHS ); - Representative of member states which have sent to the center notification for membership and have expressed interest in being represented on the board; - Representative of Iranian National Commission for UNESCO; - Representative of Iranian national committee for IHP; - Representative from each of the partner institutions. The governing board shall: - Adopting the long-term and medium-term programs of the center; - Adopting annual work plan and budget; - Evaluating annual reports submitted by the director of center including a biennial selfassessment of the center s contributions to UNESCO s program objectives; - Adopt the rules and regulations and determine the financial administrative and personnel management procedures for the center in accordance with the rules of the host institution and laws of the country; - Fund raising for the implementation of the center activities and program;

11 - Decide on participations of regional, intergovernmental organization and international organization in the work of the center. The governing board will select during its first meeting the president of the governing board among its representatives. The governing board shall adopt its own rules of procedure. The members of the governing board shall be renewed every 4 years. Scientific board The scientific board will lead the center s scientific activities and their will elect a chair and a vice chair. The chair and vice chair are member of governing board. The scientific board will meet quarterly and comprised members, appointed by the Governing Board, from among scientific, technical and legal experts and the business community will provide technical advice concerning the implementation, reviewing and monitoring the center s scientific programs. In addition to the above, the scientific board may also enjoy the membership of UNESCO IHP and UNESCO s water family, regional hydrologists at UNESCO field offices. - Secretariat: The secretariat will be responsible for the day to day implementation of the center s activities as authorized by director of the center, also appointed by the governing board in consultation with the SCWMRI and/or FRWMO will be responsible for the institution creating the center and will coordinate all the linkage of the center with ministries as well as with governmental and non-governmental organization of Islamic Republic of Iran. The Secretariat will comprise Director of the Centre, Deputy Director, and the staff necessary for the smooth functioning of the Centre. The main duties of the Director of the Centre are as follows: Directing the work of the Centre in accordance with the programs and directives established by the Governing Board, Proposing the plan and budget of the Centre to be adopted by the Governing Board, Preparing reports on the activities of the Centre to be submitted to the Governing Board, Preparing annual activity report of the center to be submitted to IHP secretariat. Submitting to the Governing Board any new proposals which are relevant for the development of the Centre. The Center Secretariat works on a permanent basis. The members of the Centre secretariat may be selected according to the criteria listed below:

12 Members of UNESCO s staff who would be temporarily detached and made available to the Centre, as provided for by UNESCO s regulations and by the decisions of its governing bodies; Any technical person appointed by the Director, in accordance with the procedures laid down by the Governing Board; Government officials who would be made available to the Centre, as provided by Government regulations. Guarantee an integration of national research programs and water-management applications in the water programs of UNESCO. This allows for detecting synergies and making use of them to advance integrated water management.

13 Annex 1 The Islamic Republic of Iran, a South-West Asian Country, is located in an arid and semi-arid region, which in addition to its various mountain larges contains many deserts and arid lands and yet showcases climate and temperatures of varied natures from season to season and location to location. There are several large rivers in Iran with an approximate length of around 500 to 900 kilometers with the only navigable one being Karun in the South- West of the Country. All streams are seasonal and there is little water flow in the summer when many streams dried out and disappear. There are many large watersheds in Iran, with hundreds of sub and micro-watersheds. In general, Iran has an arid climate in which most of the relatively scant annual precipitation falls from October through to April with 250 mm or less. The diversity of her landscape and climate altogether make Iran a potentially good area for practice of watershed management. Iranian scientists have overcome a major part of the problems related to watersheds which are caused by natural disasters, desertification and land degradation. A list of Iranian success stories in regard to watershed management in the past 50 year is provided below: Establishment of stations for pair catchments Soil and water conservation project Construction of several check, small dams Construction of underground dams Soil erosion, sedimentation Drought and flood forecasting River engineering Rehabilitation and Expansion and Sustainable Management of Arid and Semi- Arid Forests Building a Multiple - Use Forest Management Framework to conserve Biodiversity in the Caspian Forest Landscape The Participatory Forest and Rangeland Management Project Rehabilitation of Forest Landscapes and Degraded Lands with Particular attention to saline Soils and areas prone to Wind Erosion Desertification in the province is reduced through control of wind erosion and sand dune stabilization Sustainable Management of Land & Water Recourses Carbon Sequestration in the Decertified Rangelands Flood and Debris Flow in the Caspian Coastal Area Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland Watershed Management in Karun Watershed Sustainable Management of Land &Water Resources (SMLWR) Caspian Model Forest Management Plan Integrated Range Improvement Program South Khorasan Rangeland Rehabilitation Desertification control and flood control and pasture management Design and implementation of development projects and rangeland restoration Participatory Watershed projects in partnership with local communities Design and Implementation Control and Flood Control Reclamation of desert Lands and degraded Lands Design and development of forests