Water management action
Supporting implementation of integrated water resources management (IWRM) at all levels.

Photos: funario/Pixabay (1), Lucian Petronel Potlog/Pexels (2)

UNEP-DHI Centre has been supporting implementation of integrated water resources management (IWRM) approaches in countries for nearly three decades. 

Building on this experience, the Centre was instrumental in formulating SDG 6 on water and sanitation, and now has a leading role in supporting countries in their monitoring, reporting and implementation of SDG target 6.5 on IWRM. 

UNEP-DHI Centre is supporting UNEP in the global reporting on SDG indicator 6.5.1  and co-hosts the global SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme, which involves developing and helping implement national action plans that adress the most challenging barriers to progress. 

Relevant initiatives

Global reporting on SDG indicator 6.5.1

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the custodian agency for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 6.5.1 on integrated water resources management (IWRM) implementation, with UNEP-DHI responsible for supporting countries to monitor and report, including through the SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme.

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Tools for decision support

SECCCI project online decision support tools

Riparian countries worked together with UNEP towards improving the scientific understanding of the hydrological regimes and ecosystem services of the Omo-Turkana and D’aua-Juba-Shabelle basins, creating tools for decision support of sustainable management of the transboundary water resources.

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SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme

The SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme assists governments in designing and implementing country-led responses to SDG indicator 6.5.1 — the degree of implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

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Related publications

Nature-based solutions for urban challenges 

To showcase the potential and application of NbS towards adaptation to climate change in urban areas, UNEP has published a report, Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Challenges. The report is the 23rd edition of UNEP’s Foresight Briefs, which highlights emerging environmental issues, systemic insights, and possible policy solutions that can inform decision-making today.

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Report cover

UNEP Freshwater Strategic Priorities 2022-2025

UNEP-DHI contributed to UNEP’S latest strategic document on freshwater-related priorities. The document describes the crucial role of freshwater bodies in meeting water-related SDGs and in addressing the three interlinked planetary crises recognized in UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

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UNEP-DHI Centre on Water and Environment

Agern Allé 5, 2970 Denmark

Tel: +45 45169200