Science for a Water-Secure World: Governance, Technology, and Communities in Colombia
The UNESCO Chair in Integrated Water Resources Management at Universidad Piloto de Colombia is an academic, scientific, and community-oriented platform dedicated to research, education, and action addressing water-related challenges in the context of global change. Our mandate, renewed through 2029, contributes directly to UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector and the Ninth Phase of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP-IX).
Our work is organized around four strategic areas designed to address the challenges of global change while aligning with the five priority areas of UNESCO’s IHP-IX.
- Technologies for Water Security
Description: Development, testing, and scaling of alternative technologies for water supply, treatment, and drinking water purification. Through Living Labs, we evaluate low-cost, high-impact environmental solutions and prepare them for safe implementation in vulnerable communities.
(Aligned with IHP-IX Priority Area 1: Scientific Research and Innovation.)
- Water Governance and Community Participation
Description: Technical and scientific support for local communities in implementing integrated water resources management at the watershed level. We work directly with the Río Seco and Tributaries Watershed Council and the CIDEA committees in the Upper Magdalena region, strengthening evidence-based decision-making and community environmental education.
(Aligned with IHP-IX Priority Area 5: Science-Based Water Governance.)
- Climate Change, Gender, and Vulnerability
Description: Integration of a gender perspective into climate change adaptation processes. Through international partnerships (currently under development with Canadian cooperation), we implement projects focused on vulnerable communities, ensuring that women play an active role in water governance and water security.
(Aligned with UNESCO and IHP-IX cross-cutting priorities.)
- Cooperation and Inter-University Networks
Description: Strengthening academic capacity through partnerships with leading institutions such as the Javeriana Water Institute. We promote student mobility, collaborative research, and the organization of high-impact international academic events.
(Aligned with the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme.)
Institutional Policy Statement
In full compliance with UNESCO’s Recommendation on Open Science (2021) and the Recommendation on Open Educational Resources (2019), the UNESCO Chair in Integrated Water Resources Management at Universidad Piloto de Colombia guarantees that all its academic, scientific, and educational outputs are freely and openly accessible.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Here you will find educational materials, masterclass presentations, and training resources developed by our team and partners.
- Resource 1: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Emergency Situations (ACODAL Masterclass)
- Resource 2: Open Space Systems and Urban Drainage (PUC-Rio Lecture)
- Resource 3: Water Conservation and Efficient Water Use (Ecos 2.0 Training)
Scientific Publications and Technical Reports (Open Access)
Repository of technical reports documenting the progress of technologies under evaluation, working papers, and future peer-reviewed scientific publications available through Open Access.
Nos preparamos para el 3er Encuentro Latinoamericano por el Agua. Durante el 10 y 11 de septiembre se abordarán temas relacionados con la gestión integral de los recursos hídricos, el cambio climático, el manejo ecosistémico de cuencas y la hidrogeología.
About the Chair
Established in 2021 and renewed by UNESCO until December 31, 2029, our Chair operates under a transdisciplinary approach that brings together academia, communities, and public policy. Led by Universidad Piloto de Colombia, the Chair promotes inter-university cooperation and the transfer of open knowledge.
Mission
To generate scientific knowledge, technical capacity, and community-based solutions for integrated water resources management in Colombia, contributing to water security, climate resilience, and science-based water governance, in full alignment with the priorities of UNESCO’s IHP-IX.
Vision
To become a nationally and internationally recognized platform for the development of sustainable water solutions by integrating innovative technologies, gender-responsive approaches, and knowledge dialogue with local communities.
Strategic Partners
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana – Javeriana Water Institute
- Río Seco and Tributaries Watershed Council (Upper Magdalena Basin)
- Interinstitutional Technical Committees for Environmental Education (CIDEA)
- Regional Autonomous Corporation (CAR)
- International cooperation partners (companies and NGOs focused on climate action and gender equality)
Leadership and Coordination Team
- Chairholder: Prof. Mauricio Hernández Tascón
- Co-Chairholder: Prof. Alejandra Caicedo Páez
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about our projects, establish academic partnerships, or participate in our community initiatives, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Location
- Main Campus: Universidad Piloto de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
Direct Contact
- Chair Institutional Email: proyeccionsocial@unipiloto.edu.co
- Telephone: (601) 332 2900
Member of the Network
Global UNESCO Chairs Directory.
