933 



48 



The IHP is an intergovernmental program involving over 100 nations, 

 and UNESCO's role as an intergovernmental focal point is important. 

 Interim alternative arrangements are: 



Alternative Option 1 ; Specific program support to UNESCO (Funds-in- 

 Trust, donations, etc.) to cover 25 percent of the regular annual 

 budget plus 10 percent overhead ($750,000 per year). An additional 

 $250,000 should be provided to the U.S. National Committee on Scien- 

 tific Hydrology, to permit program oversight and to support partici- 

 pation of U.S. scientists in IHP programs. 



Alternative Option 2 : Provide the same level of financial support 

 ($750,000) through ICSU and/or one of its associated bodies. This 

 option would also require support for the US National Committee on 

 Scientific Hydrology as noted above. 



Alternative Option 3 : Provide the same level of financial support 

 ($750,000) through the U.S. National Committee on Scientific Hydrology 

 to guide contributions to specific IHP multilateral activities through 

 other governmental and nongovernmental organizations. An additional 

 $250,000 would be required to support oversight as noted above. 



Preliminary Findings 



1. The International Hydrological Program (IHP) , an important 

 global activity involving nearly 130 countries, is concerned with the 

 rational management of water resources. In the current third (5-year) 

 phase, particular attention is being devoted to problems of arid and 

 semiarid regions, and humid tropical regions. The U.S. has played a 

 leading role in program planning and implementation. 



2. The IHP is guided by a 30-member Intergovernmental Council on 

 which the United States is represented. Withdrawal will result in a 

 loss in membership on the Council and, on the bureau of the Council. In 

 the short term, there may be only modest impacts on U.S. interests and 

 on UNESCO programs after U.S. withdrawal, since it is expected that 

 U.S. scientists will continue to be associated with the IHP in their 

 personal capacity, assuming that funding is available to ensure such 

 participation. In the longer term, the lack of official association 

 could have serious consequences. 



3. There have been important benefits as a result of United States 

 participation such as enhanced opportunities for technical interaction 

 and participation in global observational projects. UNESCO as an 

 intergovernmental organization has played a critical role in making 

 this possible. 



4. It is important that the United States maintain a strong manage- 

 ment structure in support of U.S. participation. The U.S. National 

 Committee on Scientific Hydrology of the U.S. Geological Survey, backed 



