Number 5 · September-October · 2017
UNESCO CHAIR ON
HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS
NEWSLETTER
Number 5 · September-October · 2017
CHIR MEMBERS Director Polioptro F. Martínez Austria udlap
CONTENTS
MEMBERS Víctor Hugo Alcocer Yamanaka Comisión Nacional del Agua
Felipe Arreguín Cortés Instituto Mexicano de Tecnología del Agua
Erick R. Bandala González Desert Research Institute, EE. UU.
Benito Corona Vázquez
udlap
Johanness Cullmann
World Meteorological Organization Geneva
Carlos Díaz Delgado
Centro Interamericano de Recursos del Agua, uaem
Carlos Escalante Sandoval
Facultad de Ingeniería, unam
Matthew Larsen
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, EE. UU.
Carlos Patiño Gómez
udlap Sofía Ramos University of Arizona, EE. UU.
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Global Meeting of UNESCO Chairs in Natural Sciences
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The Geneva Milestone
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Chair’s Permanent Seminar: Keynote Address
María Elena Raynal Gutiérrez
udlap José Ángel Raynal Villaseñor
udlap José D. Salas Colorado State University, EE. UU.
Jim Thomas Desert Research Institute, EE. UU.
Juan Valdés
University of Arizona, EE. UU.
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http://www.udlap.mx/catedraunesco/
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The UNESCO Chair for Hydrometeorological Hazards and the Sustainable Development Goals
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High Level International UNESCO Forum MexicoGuanajuato
UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS
GLOBAL MEETING OF UNESCO CHAIRS IN NATURAL SCIENCES nder the general theme “Mobilizing UNESCO Chairs in Natural Sciences on Action Policies Moving toward the 2030 Agenda,” a global meeting was held in the city of Geneva, Switzerland, from July 5th to July 7th of 2017. This meeting also celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Chairs Program UNESCO/UNITWIN. The meeting was attended by more than 100 representatives of the UNESCO Chairs from all over the world, and practically all work themes in the area of Natural Sciences were covered. The UNESCO Chair for Hydrometeorological Hazards was represented by Dr. Benito Corona Vásquez, a member of the Chair and Academic Dean of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP). The central objectives of the meeting were focused on the search for actions to strengthen the Chairs and promote collaboration among them and other organizations in order to support the fulfillment of the Objectives for Sustainable Development established by the community of nations within the United Nations. The Agenda of the meeting concentrated on seeking answers to three prominent questions: How can the capacities
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THE UNESCO CHAIR FOR HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS WAS REPRESENTED BY DR. BENITO CORONA VÁSQUEZ, A MEMBER OF THE CHAIR AND ACADEMIC DEAN OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS PUEBLA.
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of UNESCO Chairs be strengthened for them to contribute to the Objectives for Sustainable Development? How can cooperation and exchange be promoted among the Chairs and between the Chairs and UNESCO? How can associations be developed between UNESCO Chairs and other interested parties, such as international organizations and the private sector? During the event, the Chairs present had the opportunity to speak regarding their objectives and activities, which contributed to the possible establishment of fields for collaboration. One of the main achievements of the meeting was the Geneva Declaration, which is included in this Bulletin. It includes recommendations for actions in three main axes: to uphold the values of UNESCO among the Chairs and incorporate those of the 2030 Agenda; Focus on the 2030 Agenda; and interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity.
One of the main achievements of the meeting was the Geneva Declaration, which is included in this bulletin. It includes recommendations for actions in three main axes:
TO UPHOLD THE VALUES OF UNESCO AMONG THE CHAIRS
FOCUS ON THE 2030 AGENDA
INTERDISCIPLINARITY AND TRANSDISCIPLINARITY
The Agenda of the meeting concentrated on seeking answers to three prominent questions:
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How can the capacities of UNESCO Chairs be strengthened for them to contribute to the Objectives for Sustainable Development?
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How can cooperation and exchange be promoted among the Chairs and between the Chairs and UNESCO?
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How can associations be developed between UNESCO Chairs and other interested parties, such as international organizations and the private sector?
UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS
THE GENEVA MILESTONE he UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017. Today, there are more than 700 UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks around the world, and more than 170 of these specialise in the fields covered by the Natural Sciences Sector of UNESCO. They provide a unique scientific expertise in the United Nations context and significant global, regional and local impacts, in a wide array of relevant fields. The UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks in Natural Sciences have an important role to play in the shared efforts to link science, policy and society through adopting open science practices to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other United Nations development agendas. The 2030 Agenda, adopted in 2015 by the United Nations, represents a significant step forward in terms of recognising science, technology and innovation (STI) as a driving force for sustainable development in its three pillars, environmental, social and economic. As the only UN agency that includes science in its mandate, UNESCO
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THE UNESCO CHAIRS AND UNITWIN NETWORKS LINKED TO THE NATURAL SCIENCES SECTOR GATHERED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN GENEVA FROM 5 TO 7 JULY 2017 FOR THE CONFERENCE “MOBILIZING UNESCO CHAIRS IN NATURAL SCIENCES FOR POLICY ACTION TOWARDS THE 2030 AGENDA”
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Number 5 · September-October · 2017
finds itself at the heart of this initiative. It implements its activities through its global network of field offices, international scientific programmes, centres, institutes, and the UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks. Within this context, the UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks linked to the Natural Sciences Sector gathered for the first time in Geneva from 5 to 7 July 2017 for the Conference “Mobilizing UNESCO Chairs in Natural Sciences for Policy Action Towards the 2030 Agenda”. The results of the deliberations and reflections about how UNESCO Chairs can contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda are expressed in form of the Geneva Milestone. The Geneva Milestone contributes to guiding the future endeavours of the UNESCO Chairs in Natural Sciences in close cooperation with the UNESCO family and the UNESCO National Commissions, as a blueprint for potential activities and cooperation avenues, throughout the following concrete areas:
Values:
Uphold the values of UNESCO, and incorporate those of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, into the operations of UNESCO Chairs, at organisational level and in their research, teaching and outreach.
Interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity: Foster interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity throughout UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks, crucial for the successful implementation of the SDGs. Encourage interactions between Chairs from different but relevant disciplines, particularly to implement joint pilot projects towards achieving the SDGs. Adopt Open Science practices to promote collaboration and knowledge co-production UNESCO Chairs will endeavour to influence the host academic institutions towards putting societal interests and the 2030 Agenda at the core of their mission. UNESCO and UNESCO Chairs, with the support of UNESCO National Commissions, will work together to increase collaboration with policymakers and other stakeholders, including civil society, local communities, mass-media and private sector, and establish multistakeholder strategic partnerships, to allow for focusing research and training towards SDGs. Further develop and promote the full potential of the capacities and role of the UNESCO Chairs as think tanks for advancing towards SDGs through Science, Technology and Innovation.
Focus on the 2030 Agenda: Fostering collaboration: Increase and enhance the focus of UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks activities on the 2030 Agenda. Identify main SDGs for each Chair where they can make the most substantial contributions, and indicate specific fields of action where they could provide advice to stakeholders and policy-makers. Develop programmes aimed at generating new knowledge, as well as innovative tools for Member States to face the challenges raised by the SDGs.
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Engage in concrete impact-driven actions to strengthen Chairs and Networks exchanges, particularly through regional, inter-regional, South-South, and South-South-North cooperation, in order to enhance their capabilities and improve their leading role within their fields. Foster collaboration in the development and implementation of programmes, and in capacity build-
UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS
ing and standards development, between UNESCO Chairs and Networks, and UNESCO Natural Science Programmes at headquarters, regional offices and other field offices, UNESCO sites, National Committees of International Science Programmes, UNESCO Centres, and other UNESCO Sectors, with special focus on UNESCO global priorities, i.e. Gender and Africa. Engage with governments at local, regional and national levels, as well as regional bodies, in cooperation with UNESCO field offices, to promote actions of UNESCO and the Chairs. Encourage UNESCO National Commissions to strengthen advocacy for Chairs towards stakeholders, such as governments, civil society, funding institutions, private sector, and international organizations. Encourage UNESCO and UNESCO Chairs to incorporate the 2030 Agenda in the content of their meetings, conferences and forums, and actively involve relevant UNESCO Chairs in these, in order to increase collaboration.
Increasing visibility and knowledge sharing:
Promote the establishment of networks and working groups of Chairs, at national, regional or thematic levels, to enhance communication, create linkages and support programme development. Establish a knowledge-sharing platform linked to the SDGs, to facilitate information exchange and contacts among UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks in Natural Sciences, and with partners. Enhance communication and outreach activities, to highlight the achievements and activities of UNESCO Chairs towards SDGs, including dedicated websites, and to share scientific results in an open access environment. Share success stories about Chairs that have effectively collaborated towards the 2030 Agenda, in partnership with governments, private companies, international organizations, NGOs, donors and other non-academic entities.
A WORKING GROUP WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CHAIRS AND THE UNESCO SECRETARIAT WILL PREPARE, BY THE END OF 2017, AN ACTION PLAN FOR FOLLOW-UP OF THE GENEVA MILESTONE, TO BE SUBMITTED TO CONSULTATION WITH THE UNESCO CHAIRS AND NETWORKS IN NATURAL SCIENCES.
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Chair’s Permanent Seminar: Keynote Address
«CHALLENGES FROM VARIABILITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT» Dr. Juan Valdés s part of the Permanent Seminar in Hydrometeorological Hazards, Dr. Juan Valdés, a Professor of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Arizona and a Chair Member, delivered the keynote address “Challenges from Variability and Climate Change in the Management of Water Resources” at the auditorium of the Jenkins Graduate School of the UDLAP in Mexico City. In attendance were specialists from the Engineering Institute of the Autonomous National University of Mexico, the National Center for the Prevention of Disasters,
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UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS
IN HIS CONFERENCE, DR. JUAN VALDÉS GAVE EXAMPLES OF THE APPLICATION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IN HYDRAULIC MODELING USING SATELLITE MEASUREMENTS, WHICH POINTS IN THE DIRECTION OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF A LACK OF INFORMATION ON MANY WATERSHEDS.
the National Water Commission, the Federal Electricity Commission, and doctoral students, among others. In his conference, Dr. Juan Valdés gave examples of the application of advanced technology in hydraulic modeling using satellite measurements, which points in the direction of solving the problem of a lack of information on many watersheds. He also spoke about the different precipitation and rainfall-runoff models used in the studies and made comments regarding their performance. The results presented by him are very promising for the short-term, medium-term, and long-term forecasts. Regarding climate change and its effects on water resources, Dr. Juan Valdés stated that non-sustainable use and climate variability have had significant effects on the management of resources. In relation to extreme events, he mentioned that “It has been said that climate change will intensify the water cycle, and this is important because it does not mean that from now on everything is going to be either drier or more humid, what it does mean is that variability is going to increase, that is, the high extremes will be higher and the low extremes will be lower.”
"IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT CLIMATE CHANGE WILL INTENSIFY THE WATER CYCLE, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT FROM NOW ON EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE EITHER DRIER OR MORE HUMID, WHAT IT DOES MEAN IS THAT VARIABILITY IS GOING TO INCREASE, THAT IS, THE HIGH EXTREMES WILL BE HIGHER AND THE LOW EXTREMES WILL BE LOWER".
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THE UNESCO CHAIR FOR HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS n September 25th, 2015, during the Summit on Sustainable Development, the 193 Member States of the United Nations approved the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which comprises 17 objectives that seek to attain a more inclusive world, with greater justice, and resilience, as well as the end of poverty.
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AS A WHOLE, ALL MEMBER STATES OF THE UNITED NATIONS SEEK TO ATTAIN A VISION OF A MORE EQUITABLE WORLD, WITH PEACE AND JUSTICE, WITH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, WITHOUT HUNGER OR POVERTY, AND WITH MORE CARE.
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UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), also known as the 2030 Agenda or as World Objectives, succinctly are the following:
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Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
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No poverty
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Reduced inequalities
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Zero hunger
11
Sustainable cities and communities
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Good health and well-being
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Responsible consumption and production
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Quality education
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Climate action
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Gender Equality
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Life below water
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Clean water and sanitation
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Life on land
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Affordable and clean energy
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Peace, justice, and solid institutions
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Decent work and economic growth
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Partnerships for the goals
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As a whole, all member states of the United Nations seek to attain a vision of a more equitable world, with peace and justice, with sustainable development, without hunger or poverty, and with more care. It may seem, given the actual conditions, that it is a utopian vision; nevertheless, that is the world we should aspire to have and for which every effort made is worth it, with the commitment of all. Mexico has adopted this commitment. For this purpose, on April 26th, 2017, the government established the National Council for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which “shall coordinate actions for the design, execution, and evaluation of strategies, policies, programs, and actions for the fulfillment of the said 2030 Agenda and shall inform regarding the follow-up of its objectives, goals, and indicators.” The work of this council is just beginning; therefore, its effectiveness cannot yet be evaluated. However, it is indispensable to recognize that attainment of the SDG is neither the exclusive nor even predominant work of the government, but is the work of the entire society. In this context, the UDLAP is the seat for the UNESCO Chair for Hydrometeorological Hazards, as part of the scientific community and of UNESCO, and it also seeks to contribute to the attainment of the OSD within its field of action. The SDG are not only general statements of purpose, but each objective includes specific goals to realize the objective. Some of the activities of the Chair contribute to specific targets, as is stated in the list below.
GOAL 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere • Target 1.5. Promote the resilience of the poor and of people who are in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to extreme events related to climate and other crisis and to economic, social, and environmental disasters.
GOAL 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture • Target 2.4. ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that
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UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS
help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
GOAL 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all • Target 6.1. Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. • Target 6.4. substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
GOAL 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable • Target 11.5. Significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.
GOAL 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts • Target 13.1. Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries • Target 13.2. Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning • Target 13.3. Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
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LINES OF ACTION
OBJECTIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Droughts analysis and management
1. No poverty
Climate change and hydrometeorological extremes
2. Zero hunger
Extreme temperatures and heat waves
Mathematical, statistical, and probabilistic models applied to hydrology
Watersheds modelling under climate change
6. Clean water and sanitation
11. Sustainable cities and communities
13. Climate action
Contributions of the Chair to the Objectives for Sustainable Development
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UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS
HIGH LEVEL INTERNATIONAL UNESCO FORUM MEXICO-GUANAJUATO Innovation for Sustainable Development
THE MEETING OF THE UNESCO CHAIRS DISTINGUISHED ITSELF BY A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE REGARDING SEVERAL THEMES, SUCH AS HUMAN RIGHTS, INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION, AND NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES.
he UNESCO Chairs of Mexico held a parallel meeting in support of the High Level International UNESCO Forum México-Guanajuato: Innovation for Sustainable Development, which took place in the city of Guanajuato on September 11–15, 2017, and was organized by the UNESCO Mexico Office and the office of the Secretary of Innovation, Science, and Higher Education of the State of Guanajuato. The UNESCO Chair in Hydrometeorological Hazards was represented by its Director, Dr. Polioptro F. Martínez from Austria. The meeting of the UNESCO Chairs distinguished itself by a multidisciplinary perspective regarding several themes, such as human rights, intercultural education, and new information technologies. The subject of innovation and sustainable development was discussed in the following work tables:
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Sustainable development, economic growth, and social innovation
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Social momentum for sustainable development
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Innovation and environment for sustainable development
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Intellectual protection and social and ethical implications of innovation
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Educational innovation for sustainable development
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Effective innovation and development polices
As a result of the meeting, a document was prepared with recommendations, which will be published by the UNESCO Mexico Office.
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NEWSLETTER OF THE UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS
EDITORIAL COORDINATIONS
Editor
Polioptro F. Martínez Austria
Style correction
Aldo Chiquini Zamora Andrea Garza Carbajal
Editorial design
Angélica González Flores
The unesco Chair on Hydrometerological Risks Newsletter is a bimonthly publication which reports on the activities of the Chair and its members, unesco news related to it, as well as general information on disasters and hydro-meteorological risks. It is elaborated by the Universidad de las Américas Puebla. Ex hacienda Sta. Catarina Martir s/n. C. P. 72810, San Andres Cholula, Mexico.
www.udlap.mx/catedraunesco polioptro.martinez@udlap.mx