The International Hydrological Program (IHP) is an intergovernmental scientific cooperation program of UNESCO mainly concerning water resources. For the UNESCO Member States, it is an instrument that enables them to improve their knowledge of the water cycle and the development of water resources.
The aim of this program is to determine, make known and improve the scientific and technological bases on which are based methods of rational and sustainable management of water resources and the environmental ecosystems on which they are based.
Today IHP emphasizes the role of water resource management in sustainable development and the adaptation of hydrological sciences to cope with the evolution of climate and environmental change.
Another important objective of the program is to involve developing countries in global research and training initiatives.
The implementation of IHP is mainly ensured through working groups, symposia, workshops, publications, and extrabudgetary projects, the latter being mainly carried out by the UNESCO Regional Offices where regional hydrologists are in charge. post.
At the level of the member states, the National IHP Committees are implementing and liaison bodies between the program and the local institutions involved in the management and sustainable development of the water resource.
In Rwanda, a provisional National PHI Committee was set up at the end of the October 2008 training workshop, on "Vulnerability of aquifers and groundwater in the City of Kigali", which brought together hydrologists and technicians and professionals in the rational management of water resources.
The main role of this Committee is to serve as the focal point and liaison between the program and its local partners, notably the Ministries and public and technical institutions, responsible for policies and implementation strategies related to water.

Main projects and activities:

 Training workshops have been held since 2008 for the development of the Groundwater Vulnerability Map in the City of Kigali;
 Concept note of the 1st meeting of the National PHI Committee under preparation.