‘World history of water management’ is a fascinating subject, which is of critical importance for all water experts of hydraulic engineering, water management and environmental studies.

A 5-day short course about this subject is offered drawing upon historical experiences from all continents, and experts from IWHA – many of them involved in the UNESCO HWC project – within the framework of cooperation among the International Water History Association, UNESCO-IHP, and UNESCO-IHE.

Learning objectives

The course aims at providing a comprehensive overview of archaeological and historical developments in water management including water harvesting, water supply, transportation, delivery, treatment, hydraulic engineering and allocation (with contributions including the physical sciences, technology, ecology, engineering, organisation, politics, law governance) in different parts of the world and various cultural contexts.

It also aims to develop an appreciation of the role of cultural dynamics involved in managing water resources, especially at times of perceived water scarcity, and it explains the historical antecedents of our current paradigm of water management and what can be learned from historical case studies on the basis of the knowledge and experience of several scholars from different countries, and from the exchange of experiences to be generated between the course participants and experts.

Target group

Participants are invited from the different involved disciplines in water management and flood protection, i.e. staff of the ministries in charge of water management, of water-boards, of universities and colleges, of research institutes, of consultants and contractors and of agencies. The course will be held in English.

Additional information

The tuition fee for the short course does not include (hotel) accommodation. UNESCO-IHE student hostel accommodation might be available. Students can obtain a reduction upon request.

The course can be accredited according the standards of the European Credit Transfer System.

For further information and registration, please download this course's brochure (see menu on the right).