The UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), founded in 1975, is the only intergovernmental cooperation programme of the UN system dedicated to water research and management, and related education and capacity development.
Introduction
Everyone should have the opportunity and right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress. And scientists must have the freedom to conduct research and collaborate regardless of political boundaries and borders.
As the only United Nations agency with a specific mandate for science, UNESCO works to advance and promote science in the interests of peace, sustainable development and human security and well-being.
Since its inception in London in November 1945, UNESCO has acted as a catalyst for the establishment of many scientific unions and bodies in natural and human sciences. It has stimulated the creation of initiatives with far-reaching implications for sustainable development including the Man and the Biosphere Programme, the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO Global Geoparks and natural sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The UK is home to many science-related UNESCO sites and programmes, and our world-leading experts continue to shape and have impact through UNESCO’s global programmes.
Legal Framework
UNESCO establishes international frameworks for science through Conventions, Commissions and other Programmes. These help develop national science policies, set-up international frameworks for collaboration between scientific researchers, and protect some of our most important and cherished places from the dangers of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Preserving the Ocean: The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts and marine resources.
SESAME: science, diplomacy and pioneering research
SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) is a “third-generation” synchrotron light source that was officially opened in Allan (Jordan) on 16 May 2017. It is the first synchrotron light source in the Middle East and neighbouring countries, and also the region’s first major international centre of excellence.
Policy Advice
Since 1946, the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s role is to ensure the UK’s leading specialists, intellectuals and academics are contributing and shaping UNESCO’s science manadate. We also advise the UK and Devolved Government on policy relating to UNESCO’s scientific activities. This advice ensures the UK Government is adhering to the text of these legal instruments by fulfilling its obligations and promoting their aims and intentions within the UK.
Evaluating the role of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
FEB 2015
FEB 2015
Policy Brief Series n°13
This policy brief aims to revisit IOC’s mandate, to consider how this has changed over the years, and to establish where – in an increasingly crowded space – IOC can have the greatest impact and add the greatest value.
Key challenges for UNESCO’s science programmes and priorities
OCT 2014
OCT 2014
Policy Brief Series n°15
This policy brief recommends that there was an opportune moment to take stock of UNESCO’s overall science portfolio, to enable future decisions about its current relevance and direction to be taken on a longer timescale and with the benefit of wide-ranging input from all Member States.
Redefining the UNESCO-Geoparks Relationship
AUG 2012
AUG 2012
Policy Brief Series n°05
This policy brief recommends that UNESCO’s relationship with Geoparks should be formalised under an international initiative. This would benefit UNESCO and Geoparks through improved governance, networking and better utilisation of resources.
Dyfi UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
JUNE 2020
JUNE 2020
Policy Document
This case study explores how Dyfi Biosphere reserve is creating new projects in partnership with local stakeholders in order to tackle the problems of low visibility and resources.
Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark
JUNE 2020
JUNE 2020
Policy Document
This case study explains how formal education is a key aspect of the Geopark’s work, and to facilitate this they have forged strong links with schools, local businesses, organisations and especially teachers.
Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve: Eco-Tourism
JUNE 2020
JUNE 2020
Policy Document
This case study shows that the Sustainable Heritage Areas: Partnerships for Ecotourism as a platform to share and exchange ideas, experiences and concerns with other destinations in Scotland is having a positive effect on the management of the Wester Ross Biosphere.
Expert Advice
Every accredited expert within our network is tasked with a specific committee or programme within UNESCO’s framework. Our Expert Network is made up of pro-bono specialists who help to advise the UK and Devolved Governments on policy relating to UNESCO’s programme. Professor David Drewry is our Non-Executive Director in charge of the science portfolio.
The relevant UK government department approves Accredited Experts. They have an official role, representing the UK in UNESCO Committees, Commissions and Programmes. They also work with us and the UK Permanent Delegation to UNESCO based with the Department for International Development in London and Paris, to advise the UK and/or devolved governments on UNESCO related matters.
Explore our Expert Network
The UNESCO Chair/UNITWIN programme seeks to foster international cooperation and knowledge sharing between higher education institutions. UNESCO Chairs are based within an Institute for Higher Education, and their work identifies with a current UNESCO priority.
Explore our Expert Network
Sites & Initiatives
The UK has a vibrant network of UNESCO scientific sites and designations that are working with like-minded people around the world to foster and create peace.
These designations are intrinsically community-driven initiatives. The preservation of our natural world requires input from the local communities that live and work near the sites – those who can have the most impact and benefit the most from its sustainability.
Plants, animals and the human race face unprecedented challenges – rapid climate change, the quickening pace in the loss of biodiveristy, widespread pollution, landscape despoliation, ocean acidification, rising sea levels and massive reduction in Arctic sea ice.
UNESCO’s unique network of biosphere reserves, natural world heritage sites and global geoparks, in addition to its global programmes focused on the Oceans, Hydrosphere, and the Earth Sciences offer fundamental and collaborative scientific research to understand and tackle these major threats.
The UK’s environment, scientific and natural heritage is represented by natural World Heritage Sites, Biopshere Reserves and Global Geoparks. Collectively they span vast swathes of territory across the UK and its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. They act as climate change laboratories, ecological and geological centres of research as well as destinations for visitors to enjoy the pristine landscapes. The UK’s Memory of the World register also pays homage to the prolific historical contribution in the field of science.
Explore our Sites
Since it was established, the UK National Commission for UNESCO has worked in partnership with likeminded organisations and colleagues in the field of science, working together to tackle global and local challenges.
Explore our Partnerships
UNESCO Prizes in natural and social science are prestigious awards addressing global issues and themes, which are conferred on individuals or organisations by the Director-General for UNESCO upon recommendation by an independent and international jury. They each carry a high symbolic value, and are awarded with a substantial monetary award.
Explore UNESCO Prizes
At their root, UN International Days contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. International days are at the heart of the United Nations Charter.
Explore UNESCO International Days
Discover our Communication & Information Programme
Explore our Communication & Information Programme