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INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON WATER SCIENCES AND RESEARCHThe principal objectives of IWRA, as defined by its constitutionand bylaws, are to:• lead and influence water policy and governance• develop and publicize methodological tools for assessment,improvement and conjunctive use of water• advance water resources planning, management, development,technology, research and education at international, regional andnational levels• provide a multidisciplinary forum to address and discuss water issues• generate, synthesize and disseminate knowledge and informationin the area of water and related resources and the environment• encourage, promote and participate in international, regional,national and local programmes and activities related to waterresources for the common benefit of humankind and the biosphere.As mentioned in its first objective, IWRA aims to act in the fieldof water policy, and it seeks to continually advance water resourcedecision-making by improving the collective understanding of thephysical, ecological, chemical, institutional, social and economicaspects of water. IWRA’s objective of playing a role in water policyis closely linked with the necessity to develop knowledge and understandingof water resources, which implies developing the scientificaspects of water resources including economics, sociology and law.To achieve its goals, the actions of IWRA are oriented towardsimproving exchanges of information and expertise among its ownmembers and the wider public, and networking with other organizationsto advance and develop common objectives. For instance,in preparation of its 14th World Water Congress (WWC), IWRAdeveloped a strong partnership with the International Associationfor Water Law, strengthening the themes and the sessions related tolegal and governance aspects.Furthermore, IWRA actively promotes the exchange of knowledgeand experiences across countries and regions. The critical importanceof locally-based knowledge and experience is strongly emphasizedin its information exchange activities. The belief that sustainabilityThe World Water Congress provides a forum for global knowledge-sharingImage: IWRA/Soorequires interdisciplinary action and international cooperationis a driving force behind the association.IWRA has developed geographical committees tofurther implement its mission and focus its activities.These committees allow for extensive regional networkingamong IWRA members.Exchange of knowledge through publicationsWhile promoting cooperation among its members andwith other organizations, IWRA seeks to facilitate knowledgegeneration and exchange among its members andthe wider public through several publishing activities.IWRA’s peer-reviewed journal, Water International(WI), places a specific emphasis on linking knowledgeto policy. Regular series of special issues are publishedin partnership with other major international organizations.For example, the March 2013 special issuefocused on the relevance of the 1997 United NationsWater Convention in the twenty-first century and waspublished in partnership with the World Wildlife Fundand the International Hydrological Programme (IHP)Hydrology for the Environment, Life and Policy Centrefor Water Law, Policy and Science, under the auspices ofthe United Nations Educational, Scientific and CulturalOrganization (UNESCO) at the University of Dundee. WIoffers an accessible platform for publication and disseminationto various organizations such IWMI. Furthermoreit represents a high-level publication, being published bya well-known editor and enjoying a wide readership. In2012 WI achieved the top position, in terms of impactfactor, for water journals related to water policy.The IWRA Update newsletters compile and shareinformation from all IWRA members. Along with toolssuch as the experts database offered for IWRA members,the newsletter ensures this exchange of information.In addition, books are often published in partnershipwith other international water organizations such as theInternational Water Management Institute (IWMI). Inthese various forms, IWRA is contributing to buildingcooperation on knowledge and research on a political,scientific and a wider public level.Cooperation by encouraging membershipIWRA manages the Toyoko and Hiroshi HoriEducation Fund which provides support for membershipof the association for promising scholars fromdeveloping economies, especially those designatedby the Organisation for Economic Cooperation andDevelopment (OECD) as least developed. Recipientsmust have a clear financial need, and come from countriesor regions that are OECD least developed areasas well as being areas significantly underrepresented inIWRA membership. The grants include full membershipof IWRA, which covers subscription to WI and accessto all the other advantages IWRA offers its members.The grants are a means at an individual scale to transferknowledge to experts who show potential to developactivities in their country and region, and to create anetwork of water experts.[ 309 ]