Goal of WVLC Regional Center
The goal of the Regional Centre at USP is to provide CDROM and Internet-based distance learning opportunities and
information on best water management practices for developing countries. The intent of the WVLC Program is to
provide adult (remedial) training in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), through a core curriculum
in distance learning.
IWRM Curriculum
The IWRM curriculum offers broad-based coverage of the principles and practices of IWRM, providing the students
with core knowledge in the natural sciences, engineering, health, governance, public administration, social sciences,
economics, resource conservation, strategic planning, as well as aspects of program and project management.
Students will be exposed to alternative approaches to issue management and programmatic responses. The
curriculum is CD-ROM based and Internet-supported. It consists of 10 courses, totaling approximately 250
learning hours.
Target Group
The two-year pilot-scale phase of the programme will be aimed at practicing professionals in the water sector from
Southwest Pacific countries wishing to upgrade their knowledge of modern water management concepts and practices
by offering a distance based course in IWRM consisting of ten modules (courses). The program is intended as a
specialized, undergraduate-level program for individuals, usually with undergraduate degrees, but with little or no
previous training in the IWRM-related aspects of environmental engineering, natural science and social science.
Other individuals may take the courses as part of a self-directed learning experience. The core IWRM curriculum
has been customized at USP Regional Centre to regional needs.
The Long-term Goal
The long-term goal of the program is a "tiered" course structure that includes the core curriculum (with custom elements
for each region); a subset and rearrangement of the core curriculum to give "short courses" (3-5 days) for non-water
professionals; and a series of advanced courses for water specialists.
Students/Courses Evaluation
At the end of each course the student will be evaluated for it. At the same time the students will also be evaluating each
individual course and then the whole program at the end.
Conducting Course 1 and Course 10
Course 1 (Introduction to IWRM) and Course 10 (Applying IWRM) will be conducted at USP. Students will be visiting USP
to physically attend these courses for two weeks each. During their second visit to USP the students will also be evaluated
for eligibility to receive UNU diploma in IWRM.
