International Hydrological Decade Program Abroad

Advancement of hydrology and improvement in its application will aid rational management of water for human benefit throughout the world. Eighty nations are cooperating for that purpose in an International Hydrological Decade. UNESCO and other United Nations agencies, aided by scientific associations, are catalyzing and coordinating the program, which began in January 1965. Activities cover a wide spectrum, ranging from specific topical research to observation and analysis of global hydrological phenomena. The program emphasizes education and training to alleviate a critical world shortage of hydrologists. Program projects will also alleviate a shortage of water data for two-thirds of the world’s land area. This will contribute to the development of improved water supplies and increased food production in underdeveloped areas.