Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the International Center for Integrated Watershed Management and the Yellow River Institute of China

To enhance scientific, practical and research cooperation in the fields of water resources management and addressing the challenges arising from climate change, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation was signed between the International Center for Integrated Watershed Management and Bio-resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions (ICIMWB), under the auspices of UNESCO, and the Yellow River Hydraulic Research Institute (RYHIR) of China in Chengdu, China.

The MOU was signed on 20 May 2025 during the 28th Congress of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and the 93rd Annual Meeting of the Commission in Chengdu, China, in the presence of representatives of the two institutions. Dr. Nouri, Head of the International Center for Integrated Watershed Management, attended the event on behalf of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization of Iran.

Areas of Cooperation: From Training to Water Resources Management

The agreement aims to strengthen and expand educational, academic, research and practical cooperation in the development of programmes for managing water resources, floods, erosion and sedimentation in watersheds upstream of dams.

Given the numerous challenges arising from climate change and increasing demand for water resources in recent decades, this cooperation is of particular importance for managing runoff and infiltration in river basins, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

Knowledge Exchange, Sharing Successful Practices and Enhancing Resilience

One of the key objectives of the agreement is to establish an appropriate platform for exchanging knowledge and effective experiences in sustainable water resources management. Through joint cooperation between the signatory institutions, successful methods and practices in managing water, soil and ecosystems upstream of dams are expected to be shared.

This initiative could not only contribute to improving the health of watersheds in the country, but also facilitate the application of successful global models to enhance the resilience of local communities in the face of environmental and economic challenges in watersheds upstream and downstream of dams.

In addition, the MOU will provide a basis for implementing joint research projects, organizing training courses and specialized workshops. This will contribute to empowering managers, experts, researchers and stakeholders in the field, while the transfer of global technologies and innovations will enhance prospects for achieving sustainable development and optimal management of natural resources in target communities.

It is noteworthy that, during the same event, another Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation was also signed between Tarbiat Modares University and the Yellow River Hydraulic Research Institute (RYHIR) of China.