IHP-V - Project 1.1: Application of methods of hydrological analysis using regional data sets (Flow Regimes from International Experimental and Network Data Sets/FRIEND)

Third FRIEND Conference (Postojna, Slovenia, 1-4 October 1997): Regional Hydrology: concepts and models for sustainable water resources management

This Conference marked the completion of the third phase of the FRIEND project. It was attended by 150 participants from over forty-four countries and four international/regional organisations; several participants were assisted by the European Union and UNESCO.

Delegates were welcomed by Dr Alan Gustard (Chairperson of the International Scientific Committee), Dr Pierre Hubert (Chairperson of the International Organising Committee), Dr Habib Zebidi (UNESCO) and Prof. Mitja Brilly (Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee).

Opening statements underlined the great success of the UNESCO IHP FRIEND project which contributes considerably to improving the knowledge of river flow regimes, thus ensuring a scientific basis for the apt assessment and management of surface water resources.

Forty-eight papers were presented. In addition, twenty poster presentations were made during the Conference.

The following topics were covered:

• International Hydrological Databases
• Spatial and Temporal Variability of Hydrological Regimes
• Hydrological Extremes: Catchment Modelling
• Hydrological Extremes: Rainfall Frequency
• Hydrological Extremes: Flood Frequency
• Hydrological Processes, Catchments, Planning and Sustainable Water Resources Development

To coincide with the Conference, the Third FRIEND Report was published by CEMAGREF, Lyon, France. The Report gives a synthesis of FRIEND project work undertaken during the last four years. A copy of this report, which follows on from the two previous end-of-phase FRIEND reports, was given to all participants at the Conference. (Additional copies may be obtained from the Division of Water Sciences, UNESCO, Paris.)

In the closing session, representatives from the seven international FRIEND Groups (Northern Europe, Alpine and Mediterranean, Southern Africa, Western and Central Africa, Nile, Hindu Kush-Himalaya, Asia and Pacific) outlined their objectives for the next phase of FRIEND.

It is encouraging to find that scientists world-wide are keen to continue this type of co-operation which has now been developing since 1985. We look forward with anticipation to collaboration with colleagues in the hydrological scientific community within both the existing and new FRIEND groups.

First meeting of the FRIEND Inter-Group Co-ordination Committee (FIGCC)

This Committee was established in 1997 by the IHP Bureau to co-ordinate the activities of the different FRIEND Groups. The meeting was attended by representatives of the five active FRIEND Groups and the two newly established groups (Hindu Kush-Himalaya and Asia-Pacific). The Committee approved its Terms of Reference and reviewed future FRIEND activities; it agreed to organise the Fourth FRIEND Conference in Côte d'Ivoire, in September 2001, following the proposal made by the Co-ordinator of the FRIEND/Western and Central Africa Group. The Committee encourages the exchange of information between FRIEND Groups on their respective activities as well as the preparation of joint publications. The Committee agreed to prepare a brochure to publicise FRIEND activities and approved the new design for its logo, to be used henceforth by all the FRIEND Groups.

The next meeting of the FIGCC will be held in 1999 at UNESCO, Paris.