UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa - Nairobi Science Sector

The UNESCO Nairobi Regional Office's Science Sector primarily addresses the challenges and opportunities in water and environmental management, with a strong focus on sustainable development in Africa. In particular, the office works through the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) to promote responsible water use, conservation, and resource management across the region. The office also focuses on groundwater access, quality, and availability, recognizing water as a critical resource for resilience against climate change, food security, and health.

In this sector, UNESCO collaborates with national and regional stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, and NGOs, to improve water governance, develop hydrological knowledge, and implement water-related projects. One key aspect of its work involves providing technical support and capacity-building initiatives in water sciences, leveraging data, technologies, and educational resources to help countries in Eastern Africa develop sustainable water solutions.

Projects under the water focus often emphasize groundwater management and access, aligning with UNESCO’s goal to ensure universal access to safe water. The recent addition of digital platforms, such as the IHP-WINS portal, enables data-sharing, community engagement, and citizen science. This facilitates a collaborative approach to water issues and allows for informed decision-making at multiple levels. The Nairobi office's work is thus essential in advancing sustainable water management practices and strengthening regional resilience to environmental challenges.