Launch of a new UNESCO global platform showcasing how citizen science strengthens freshwater management and governance.
Expanding knowledge through citizen science. Citizen science is increasingly recognised as a powerful tool to better understand the water cycle . This is especially important in regions where traditional monitoring networks are sparse or under-resourced. By actively involving citizens in data collection and observation, these initiatives fill critical data gaps. They support informed decision-making and strengthen public engagement in water issues. The UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) promotes the integration of citizen science in hydrology as part of its commitment to science-based water governance. The Citizens4Water webinar demonstrates how citizen-led initiatives can contribute to more inclusive, transparent and effective water management, from local catchments to global assessments. Launch of the Citizens4Water platform A central highlight of the webinar is the official launch of the Citizens4Water platform. The platform is designed as a collaborative s...