IHP-IX 1.3. Research on Climate Uncertainty and Adaptive Water Management Strategies

Research on uncertainty in climatic scenarios, hydrological projections and water use scenarios conducted and recommendations communicated to decision makers and the general public to elaborate adaptive water management strategies. 1. Synthesis on uncertainties in the whole modelling chain (climate, hydrology, water use), Organization of the capitalization of knowledge, results and experience available in the UNESCO Water Family, including the Flagships. 2. Research and preparation of state-of-the-art publications on uncertainty in climatic scenarios, hydrological projections and water use scenarios and intersectoral consultations among research teams (including publication and dissemination of Water Outlook). 3. Regional and national intersectoral dialogue and capacity building for adaptive water management in the face of uncertainty. 4. Research on groundwater conceptualization and evaluation in continental and large-scale models, in partnership with IAH, IAHS and international professional organizations (EGU, AGU). 5. Implementation of pilot projects on, and promotion of, Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA) and other bottom-up approaches that include hydro-climatic and non-climatic uncertainties integrated in hydrological projections and water use in different regions and across various spatial and time scales. 6. Contribution to exploration of a new generations of hydroclimatic scenarios (including hydrochemistry, hydroecology) and projections of water demand, via modelling time-variable hydroclimatic systems considering the many nonlinear and feedback/forward loops.

Contributing Action Number

CA3.6

Primary Entry Point

3: Align UN system support for integration

Additional Entry Point(s)

1: Lead and inspire collective action

2: Engage better for countries

4: Accelerate progress and transformational change

Output(s)

Output 1.2: Action is inspired by compelling and unified UN system communications and messaging on water

Output 2.1: Expertise and resources are fully leveraged by the UN system to support countries, with emphasis on the water and sanitation needs of developing countries

Output 2.2: Diverse stakeholders and partnerships are mobilized by the UN system to support countries’ progress on water and sanitation

Output 3.2: Integrated policy frameworks to manage water and sanitation across sectors are supported by the UN system using latest data and evidence

Output 3.3: Mainstreaming of water and sanitation-related issues into Member States-led intergovernmental processes is supported by the UN system

Output 4.2: High-quality, disaggregated water and sanitation data and information are available and shared transparently through strengthened national and sub-national monitoring systems and regional and global platforms with support from the UN system

Output 4.3: Institutional and human resources capacity development support that responds to national needs and priorities is provided by the UN system, contributing to a skilled water and sanitation workforce

SDG 6 Target(s)

Cross-cutting work on SDG 6

SDG target 6.1: Achieve safe and affordable drinking water

SDG target 6.3: Improve water quality, wastewater and safe reuse

SDG target 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency and ensure freshwater supplies

SDG target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management (IWRM)

SDG target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems

SDG target 6.A: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building

SDG target 6.B: Support stakeholder participation

SDG target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory lews, policies, and practices and promoting approprate legislation, policies and action in this regard

SDG target 11.5: Reduce number of deaths, people affected and economic losses caused by disasters, including water-related disasters

Type of Engagement

Normative support (e.g. development of normative guidance, guidelines and standards)

Data collection and analysis

Implementation (e.g. direct support and service delivery, pilot or larger scale)

Capacity development and technical assistance

Convening of stakeholders

Policy advice and thought leadership

Geographical Scope

Global level

Regional, transboundary and sub-regional (multi-country) level

Country-level (national, subnational and local)

More Information

https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000384615

https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000389036

https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000384771

Leading Entity

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation

The Contributing Actions are key initiatives supporting the United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation, aligning individual and joint efforts across UN entities and partnering organizations to advance global water and sanitation goals. These actions are integrated into the Collaborative Implementation Plan (CIP) Results Framework 2025-2028, which provides a structured approach to achieving system-wide impact through coordinated UN efforts.
The Priority Collaborative Actions outlined in the framework focus on enhancing water security, improving governance, strengthening climate resilience, and accelerating progress on sanitation and hygiene. By fostering system-wide collaboration among UN agencies, these actions help drive policy coherence, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to address the world’s most pressing water challenges.