UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP) has launched the Water Information Network System (IHP-WINS), an open access interactive database intended to be a global reference source on the water cycle.

Founded in 1975, UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme is the only intergovernmental programme of the UN system devoted to water research, water resources management, and education and capacity building.

With continuous updates and new data, WINS aims to become a global reference on the water cycle allowing users to create tailor-made maps incorporating information about arid zones, rainfall, transboundary water basins and irrigation.

With data from global sources such as AQUASTAT, WHO/UNICEF joint monitoring programme and UNSTAT, and other UNESCO partners, WINS will bring together as much validated information concerning the water cycle as possible. It will also feature key UNESCO programmes concerned by water-related issues, notably World Heritage, Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Users will be able to visualize and generate tailor-made products to meet their specific interests. WINS is also intended to facilitate the exchange of data among stakeholders, interdisciplinary cooperation and the creation of networks.

The development of WINS follows on a resolution adopted by the IHP’s Intergovernmental Council in June 2016 to help Member States implement the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal concerning access to water and sanitation.

 Click here to access the IHP-WINS website