Program Overview

Introduction to the 14th IHP Training Course

The 14th IHP Training Course, part of the International Hydrological Programme, was held from October 11 to 15, 2004, at the Humid Tropics Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This course is one of a series conducted by UNESCO, with previous courses focusing on various aspects of hydrology such as snow hydrology, remote sensing, limnology, and the effects of pollutants on the atmospheric environment.

Objectives of the 14th IHP Training Course

The primary objectives of the 14th IHP Training Course were threefold:

1. To investigate activities related to water issues and training activities in each participating country.
2. To discuss and identify fruitful training courses for the future, based on past experiences and participant feedback.
3. To provide lectures on hydrology in Asia, covering a range of topics relevant to the region.

Program Details

The course was structured over five days, with each day focusing on specific themes and topics:

• Day 1 (October 11, 2004): The opening session included welcome addresses, introductions, and presentations on the history and background of IHP training courses, as well as IHP activities in the Asia-Pacific region. The afternoon sessions covered activities on water issues and related training activities, followed by a lecture session.
• Day 2 (October 12, 2004): The day commenced with a lecture session, followed by discussions on fruitful training courses, including presentations by past participants.
• Day 3 (October 13, 2004): This day was dedicated to further discussions on fruitful training courses, with presentations by participants on their research and business work activities related to hydrology.
• Day 4 (October 14, 2004): The morning included a lecture session, and the afternoon was reserved for an excursion.
• Day 5 (October 15, 2004): The final day began with a lecture session, followed by a wrap-up session to conclude the course.

Application and Participation

Participants, especially past participants from the Asia-Pacific region, were selected and recommended by the UNESCO Jakarta Office. Applicants were required to submit an abstract of their proposal or research work related to hydrology. The deadline for abstract submission was August 25, 2004. Participants from Malaysia were selected and recommended by the Humid Tropics Centre Kuala Lumpur (HTC KL).

Financial Support

The IHP Training Course was financially supported by a Trust Fund for UNESCO from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Japanese Government. Successful candidates from outside Malaysia received financial support from UNESCO for travel and accommodation.

Conclusion

The 14th IHP Training Course aimed to address current environmental issues in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on hydrology. It provided a platform for participants to share knowledge, discuss future training directions, and network with peers from various countries. The course reflected UNESCO's commitment to promoting hydrological education and research, particularly in regions facing significant water and environmental challenges.