Pulsaqua supported the development of a strategic framework for citizen science within the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), the United Nations’ flagship programme for water science, education, and governance. The strategy contributes to UNESCO IHP’s vision of strengthening science-based and inclusive water governance by embedding citizen science within hydrological research, decision-making, and capacity development processes worldwide.
Building on consultations with UNESCO’s international Community of Practice, the process brought together researchers, practitioners, educators, policymakers, and community leaders from across the globe via a survey and focus sessions.
Their experiences and perspectives helped shape a strategy centred on four interconnected themes: Scientific Knowledge Co-Production, Community Engagement and Awareness, Participatory Local Action and Policy Implementation, and Educational Impact and Capacity Building.
The strategy recognizes citizen science as more than a tool for data collection. It positions citizens, scientists, and institutions as partners in the co-creation of hydrological knowledge, strengthening trust, improving water monitoring, supporting evidence-informed decision-making, and fostering local ownership of water resources. Particular attention was given to issues of data quality, inclusion, knowledge translation, capacity development, and the integration of citizen-generated data into water governance systems.
The resulting framework provides a roadmap for advancing citizen science across UNESCO IHP’s global network and contributes to broader efforts to achieve water security through participatory, evidence-based, and locally grounded approaches. As UNESCO IHP increasingly promotes citizen science initiatives such as RiverWatch and the Citizens4Water platform, the strategy helps connect local action with global water challenges and opportunities.
During a side event dedicated to citizen science for water management of the 27th IHP Council in Paris at the UNESCO headquarters, Sandra de Vries presented about the strategy.
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