The UNESCO FRIEND-Water program: accelerates, shares and transfers knowledge and innovation in hydrology across the world in the frame of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program (IHP)

Abstract. The FRIEND-Water program (FWP) is the oldest and most transverse (i.e. Flagship Initiative) within Hydrological Intergovernmental Program (IHP) from UNESCO. FRIEND means “Flow Regimes International Experimental Network Data”. FWP dedicated to allow large communities of hydrologists associated disciplines collaborate across borders on common shared data scientific topics which are addressed through world regions. has evolved in its 35 years existence. There 8 regions gather tenths hundreds researchers, organize events following several research defined according each region priorities. chaired by a committee gathering regional coordinators thematic experts. Each gives priorities evolve projections given member States during IHP council every year. future activities upcoming IX with support newly created Montpellier UNESCO Category II Center ICIREWARD, acting as Secretariat.