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UNESCO Chair Established on Stepwise Ecological Restoration of Watersheds

March 2026

Zhengzhou, March 2026 – UNESCO has officially approved the establishment of the UNESCO Chair on Stepwise Ecological Restoration of Watersheds at the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power (NCWU). The agreement was signed in February 2026 by UNESCO Director-General Mr. Khaled El-Enany and NCWU President Professor Junguo Liu (IAHS HELPING Working Group2.5 Co-Leader), who has been appointed as the Chair Holder. This marks the first UNESCO Chair ever established based on the concept of Stepwise Ecological Restoration.

The UNESCO Chairs Programme, established in 1992, mobilizes the expertise of higher education and research institutions to address the interdependent challenges of today's increasingly complex world. It advances an integrated system of research, training, and activities in diverse fields by building university networks and encouraging inter-university cooperation through the transfer of knowledge and expertise across borders. The newly established Chair will focus on conducting research on watershed hydrological evolution and ecological degradation mechanisms, developing innovative restoration technologies, and promoting knowledge sharing and capacity building, particularly in UNESCO priority regions. The initiative supports multiple UNESCO programs, including the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, and the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme.

The concept of stepwise ecological restoration was developed by Professor Junguo Liu, the appointed Chair Holder. Unlike traditional approaches that often attempt large-scale, one-time interventions, stepwise ecological restoration emphasizes adaptive, phased interventions based on the degradation intensity and recovery potential of ecosystems. It recognizes that ecosystems have different degradation stages and require tailored restoration pathways, allowing natural recovery processes to take place while human interventions are strategically applied to guide and accelerate restoration. This approach has proven particularly effective in water-stressed regions and degraded river systems, offering a cost-effective and sustainable pathway for ecological recovery.

The IAHS has played a crucial role in promoting this concept globally. In 2023, IAHS established a dedicated scientific working group on Stepwise Ecological Restoration of Watersheds under the decadal programme HELPING, which shares the same thematic focus as the newly created UNESCO Chair. This working group brings together leading hydrologists, ecologists, and restoration practitioners from around the world to advance research and develop practical guidelines for stepwise restoration implementation. The strong synergy between the IAHS working group and the UNESCO Chair creates a unique opportunity to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into practical solutions for watershed restoration worldwide.

The Chair warmly invites scientists, practitioners, and policymakers from all countries to collaborate in this global endeavour. By working together across disciplines and borders, the international community can develop more effective strategies to restore degraded watersheds, enhance water security, and build resilience against climate change. The UNESCO Chair, in close partnership with the IAHS HELPING Working Group, will serve as a global platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint innovation, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and supporting ecosystem restoration efforts worldwide.

The Chair will also support watershed conservation and provide a platform for international cooperation in water governance, further strengthening the bridge between scientific innovation and practical application in watershed restoration.