Innovative Solution

Distance learning, IWRM, capacity development

educational

UNU-INWEH in partnership with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) has developed a distance learning program in Integrated Water Resources Management. The program is directed to practicing professionals in the water sector wishing to upgrade their knowledge of modern water management concepts and practices. The Water Virtual Learning Centre (WVLC) promotes sustainable water management through a core curriculum on IWRM that offers opportunities for continuing education and skills upgrading.  This training and capacity-development programme is administered and executed via a regional network of training institutions and universities, supported by a core website, which collectively serve as a “virtual” learning centre.

The WVLC offers broad-based coverage of the principles and practices of IWRM. The broad goal is to enhance local, national and basin-scale capacities for sustainable water management in the developing world. The curriculum consists of 10 courses, totaling 250 learning hours, which provides students with core IWRM knowledge in the natural sciences, engineering, health, governance, public administration, social sciences, economics, resource conservation, strategic planning and program/project management. The program is intended as a specialized, undergraduate-level program for practicing and new professionals in the water sector. The programme is currently developing a new water-health course to incorporate into its curriculum. 

The Regional Centres are at the University of Nairobi in Kenya, the University of Ghana in Ghana, the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, CATHALAC in Panama, the Arab Gulf University in Bahrain and the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.    

The United Nations Water Virtual Learning Centre at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health has offered flexible distance learning for Integrated Water Resource Management since 2001, supported by funding from the UN Development Fund, AGFUND and the Arab Fund. Cooperation is also sought with other UN training initiatives and with academic and NGO networks at the global and regional levels 

The project has been implemented in three phases, all of which were essentially complete by early 2005:

• Curriculum Design and Development, involving an initial global survey of available curricula in IWRM, expert Advisory Committee validation, acquisition of course content, and establishment of a Course Development Group;
• Electronic Curriculum Transcription, to convert acquired materials into user-friendly electronic form, develop reference data bases and provide a CD-ROM based programme suitable for independent or Web-supported delivery
• Programme Deployment and Delivery, during which RCs were established, the core server and Website installed and training for regional staff provided.

The WVLC will be re-launched in 2012 with the following improvements and updates:

1. Upgrade of the course interface, with course delivery method being maintained

2. Creation of the WVLC Alumni Interactive ‘Learning Network’

3. Small Grants Competition – announcement for all WVLC graduates to submit proposals for funding to support IWRM on the ground

4. Upgrade of Studyspace™ platform with improved browser compatibility

5. Online global database of background material and further readings being created

6. IWRM Diploma Graduates from any Regional Centre are now eligible for 60 EU units towards a Masters at the University of Dundee

7. Jointly developing a Fellowship Fund in partnership with Regional Centers

8. New courses being developed

The long-term goal of the WVLC is to enhance national capacities for the development and implementation of sustainable water strategies in developing countries, at local, regional, sub-regional and basin scales. Strengthening the skills and qualifications of existing water professionals is designed to build up capacity at the local and national levels. 

Graduates of the programme have involved professionals working in diverse environments from multilateral institutions, national government and local community groups.  With the initial course development and software platform for course delivery in place the solution can continue to operate utilizing the capacity and resources of the regional centres. Plans to create a fellowship fund to assist students with small scholarships while undertaking the course will see an increase in those able to enroll. 

Continuing enrollment and graduation of students from the regional centers remains steady with more applicants than can be accommodated. The 2012 re-launch and expansion is expected to see this increase and provide a global forum for the students and alumni to interact and share experiences. Accreditation of the course by the European union to allow existing and future graduates to be eligible for 60 EU units towards a Masters at the University of Dundee further strengthens the qualification.

The program is directed to practicing professionals in the water sector wishing to upgrade their knowledge of modern water management concepts and practices.

 The WVLC has been explicitly designed for expansion and diversification.  The curriculum is broad and rich and the delivery platform flexible and user-friendly.  With the success of the first phase, a second phase a re-launch and expansion is occurring in 2012.  UNU-INWEH will collaborate with existing regional 7 training institutions, international agencies and bilateral donors supporting distance learning in the water sector, to broaden the scope and impact of the WVLC. Enhancements and improvements to the StudySpace^TM software will also be made. Curriculum development for the new course on water-health and transboundary science and policy development ongoing. 

Partnering and working with high caliber, local institutions which have the capacity and teaching experience to deliver the course is a key strength of the WVLC. The regional approach ensures teaching to the specific issues and needs of the region and enhances the capacity of both the graduates and regional centers. 

Andrew Dansie

Research Fellow, Freshwater Ecosystem Programme

United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health

UNU-INWEH

175 Longwood Rd S, Suite 204

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada   L8P 0A1

dansie@inweh.unu.edu

http://www.inweh.unu.edu/River/WVLC.htm