Urban Ecohydrology Observatory – Southern Ontario included among UNESCO’s new Ecohydrology Demonstration Sites

Urban Ecohydrology Observatory – Southern Ontario is joining 14 newly approved Ecohydrology Demonstration Sites of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Hydrologic Programme. The new Demonstration Sites are located in 11 countries, including Brazil, Germany, India, and the USA. This brings the total number of UNESCO’s Global Network of Ecohydrology Demonstration Sites to 51 spread over 32 countries.

The Urban Ecohydrology Observatory is run by the Ecohydrology Research Group and supports intersectoral and community-based projects aimed at protecting water quality by addressing nutrient and microplastics pollution, ecohydrological restoration, and climate mitigation. Research findings from the observatory’s field sites help guide flood management, reduce nutrient enrichment, and curb greenhouse gas emissions. Collaborations with local governments, engineering firms, and citizen science groups are central to these efforts, ensuring a broad understanding of the ecological and social benefits of sustainable urban water management infrastructure. The Urban Ecohydrology Observatory is also part of the national network of Global Water Futures Observatories.

Learn more about UNESCO’s Ecohydrology Demonstration Sites at: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/meet-14-new-ecohydrology-demonstration-sites

More information on the Global Water Futures Observatories facilities and sites can found at: https://uwaterloo.ca/global-water-futures-observatories/