2026 United Nations Water Conference

Session title:

Transdisciplinary Ecohydrology: A Systemic Approach to Enhancing Catchment Sustainability

Date: 10 December 2026
Time: 13:45–15:00
Organizing institution: Ministry of Infrastructure, Republic of Poland
Contributing institutions and partners: European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, Water4All Programme, UNESCO Ecohydrology Youth Network

Thematic alignment: Water for the Planet | Water for Prosperity

1. Background and Rationale

Transdisciplinary Ecohydrology provides a science-based framework for addressing interconnected challenges related to water security, ecosystem degradation, climate change, human health, and sustainable development. By integrating hydrological, ecological, technological, and societal dimensions, it supports the development of systemic, cost-effective solutions that enhance catchment sustainability and resilience.

Building on the outcomes of the 2023 UN Water Conference and the priorities of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP-IX), the session will explore how scientific advances can be translated into coordinated policy actions, institutional capacity, and practical solutions that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Session Objectives

The session aims to:

• Strengthen the science–policy interface by promoting the application of the best available scientific knowledge to build the resilient systems.
• Advance international cooperation and reduce fragmentation of efforts across scientific institutions, international organizations, and water governance frameworks.
• Promote transdisciplinary, cost-effective, and scalable solutions that enhance water security, ecosystem services, biodiversity, and resilience.
• Highlight the contribution of ecohydrology to human health, societal well-being, and poverty eradication.
• Strengthen education, youth engagement (EHYN), and institutional knowledge transfer to ensure the long-term continuity of scientific and policy efforts.
• Demonstrate the practical application and replicability of ecohydrological approaches through the UNESCO Global Network of Ecohydrology Demonstration Sites.

3. Expected Outcomes and Follow-up Actions

Outcome 1. Strengthening the scientific foundation for sustainable water management

Initiation of a dedicated Special Issue in the international scientific journal Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology, bringing together scientific advances, policy-relevant research, and practical applications of transdisciplinary ecohydrology.

Outcome 2. Advancing cost-effective and scalable solutions for resilience and poverty eradication

Development of recommendations promoting transdisciplinary approaches that combine nature-based solutions, ecohydrological processes, and technological innovation to deliver high-impact, resource-efficient interventions. Particular attention will be given to strengthening catchment resilience, improving access to ecosystem services, and supporting poverty eradication, especially in vulnerable regions.

Outcome 3. Integrating the water–environment–health nexus into sustainable development policies

Identification of opportunities to strengthen the integration of water management, ecosystem integrity, and human health into national and international policy frameworks, recognizing that good quality of water, healthy aquatic ecosystems and sustainable water resources are essential foundations for human well-being and long-term development.

4. Contribution to the 2026 UN Water Conference

The session will contribute to the Conference’s overarching objectives by advancing the implementation of SDG 6 and its interlinkages with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

By connecting scientific knowledge, international policy, practical implementation, and intergenerational cooperation, the session seeks to accelerate the transition from fragmented water management interventions towards integrated, systemic, and resilient solutions that deliver measurable benefits for people and the planet.