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INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON WATER SCIENCES AND RESEARCHCooperation on water sciences and researchChristophe Cudennec, Gordon Young, Hubert Savenije, International Association of Hydrological SciencesWater is the basis of life. It is fundamental to maintaininghuman health and for sustaining all animal andplant life on Earth. Water underpins food production,is vital for health, is used by many industries, is needed forthe production of energy and is essential for the sustenance ofthe natural ecosystems on which we all depend. Paradoxically,water is also a threat to life and livelihoods – too much watercan produce disastrous floods, too little can produce droughtconditions, depriving natural and human systems of vital nourishment.In addition, pollution spills can cause degradation oflife support systems.As human populations grow and as large segments of the populationacquire more wealth, the use of water increases. And as moredemands are put on the resource, competition between uses andusers also increases, requiring decisions to be made on equitableand fair allocation procedures. At the same time, more peoplefind themselves living in flood-prone locations – on flood plainsand in low lying coastal regions – putting themselves at growinglevels of risk. Conversely, in many arid regions, the prevalenceof drought is increasing, rendering large numbers ofpeople at risk of water scarcity. Efficient and effectivewater management is of greater importance in decidinghow to best allocate scarce resources and how tomitigate and adapt to floods and droughts.Accurately predicting and forecasting water availabilityand the likelihood of too much or too little water isdependent on understanding how hydrological systemsfunction. And, as better understanding of hydrologicalsystems leads to more informed management decisions,this understanding is of fundamental importance to efficientand effective management of the resource.In 2012, the International Association of HydrologicalSciences (IAHS) celebrated 90 years of catalysing andstructuring the development and flow of hydrologicalsciences based on a worldwide scope and community,and leading to the consolidation of knowledge throughtime. Through the work of its ten Commissions andthree Working Groups, IAHS covers research into allaspects of hydrological systems and water manage-Image: G. YoungSection of Iguassu Falls, Brazil[ 322 ]