UNESCO launched IHP’s 8th phase (2014-2021) entitled “Water Security: Responses to Local, Regional and Global Challenges” (IHP-VIII, see: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002251/225103e.pdf). IHP-VIII will be built around the following 6 interrelated Themes: 1) Water-related disasters and hydrological change, 2) Groundwater in a changing world, 3) Addressing water scarcity and quality, 4) Water and human settlements of the future, 5) Ecohydrology, engineering harmony for a sustainable world, and 6) Water education, key for water security.
The workshop reviewed on-going activities of UNESCO’s Centres, activities and projects in the area of ecohydrology, as well as cooperation with related international programs. Invited speakers, including Philippe, gave presentations on continuing and new challenges and opportunities for ecohydrology within IHP-VIII. Philippe was asked to join the Ecohydrology Steering Committee. At the meeting of the Steering Committee the strategic plan of action for the ecohydrology program was further discussed.