The South African National Committee for the UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (SANC for UNESCO IHP) serves as a vital component within the broader framework of UNESCO’s IHP. As an integral part of the UNESCO IHP, the SANC for UNESCO IHP plays a crucial role in aligning national efforts with the main goals of the global program. It functions as a focal point for coordinating and implementing UNESCO IHP initiatives within South Africa, working in sync with the Department of Water and Sanitation and other key stakeholders. Through its engagement with various governmental and non-governmental entities, the SANC for UNESCO IHP contributes to the sustainable management of water resources, education, and capacity building, thereby supporting the holistic, interdisciplinary approach of the UNESCO IHP on a national scale.

UNESCO Governing Structure

Composition of the South African National Committee for UNESCO IHP

The IHP National Committee is a multi-stakeholder assembly which brings together government agencies that have responsibility in the hydrological sciences, hydrological research groups, NGOs and academic research institutions involved in the hydrological research within South Africa.

The Deputy Director General: Water Resource Management (DDG: WRM) is the Focal Point and Chair of the SANC for UNESCO IHP and appoints the National Committee Members which comprise of:

• Department of Water and Sanitation,
• Water Research Commission (WRC)
• Department of Science and Innovation (DSI);
• SA UNESCO National Commission (SANATCOM);
• World Meteorological Organisation (WMO),
• South African Hydrological Society (SAHS)
• Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs)
• South African Association of Water Utilities (SAAWU)
• Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
• Academic institutions and universities
• UNESCO Institutes
• Basin Commissions (international river basin coordination)
• Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA)

The role and function of the National Committee encompass achieving effective participation in the management and implementation of the IHP-IX strategic objectives, acting as a coordinating body for shared objectives concerning freshwater and its sustainable management, providing advice to the Government on water-related research, and fostering partnerships with other relevant organisations and entities.

Department of Water and Sanitation's Role

The program is currently integrated into the Business Plan of the Chief Directorate: National Water Resources Information Management (NWRIM), Directorate: Water Information Integration (WII), and Sub-Directorate: Coordination and Liaison (C&L). Further alignment and integration of the program into other Chief Directorates of the Water Resource Management Branch are currently underway. As a result, specific personnel within these respective units in the Department will play critical roles in the implementation of the IHP program.