WATER AND ENVIRONMENT

Evcry country in the world aims at the sustainable development of its national ccon- omy. It is also gcnerally recognized that aspects ofthe protection of the environment constitute a significant limitation to that dcvelopmcnt so that the two must be carefully hannonizcd. The attempt to achicvc this goal has stiinulated the new discipline of En- vironmental Management in recent decades, which has become an integral element of all development plans. Water is - in one way or another - a decisive factor in all plans for development and at the same time a constituent of the environment. The way in which wc approach problems rclated to it is therefore ofvital importance. The abun- dance or scarcity and the quality of natural surface and subsurface waters affects al- most all aspects of urbanization, agriculture and industry, albeit in different ways under different climatical conditions and at different levels of development. Knowl- edge about the natural laws governing the occui-rence and behaviour of these waters -enabling optimal, but environmental-friendly managenicnt of the same - is thercforc of paramount importance for every nation in thc world. International co-operation for sharing experiences in this area started some de-

cades ago with special reference to hydrological sciences and with an emphasis on helping the developing nations. The International Hydrological Decade (IHD) laun- ched by UNESCO in 1965 and the ensuing International Hydrological Progranime (IHP) havc been the driving forces of this co-opelation. UNESCO’s rolc in sponsoring intcmational courses has gained world-wide significance. and it was within that framework that Hungary was among the first countries to start its courses. The other leading participant in this Co-operation is thc World Meteorological Organization (WMO), tlic spccializcd agency of the United Nations for incteorology and oper- ational hydrology. WMO has among its primary objectives providing Iiclp to member countries in developing human resources by providing professional and financial sup- port in various forms for participants of training courses like that in Budapest. Hun- gary, possessing immense experience - looking back one and a half ccnturies - in carrying out extensive works of water resources development transforming the natural environment with due regard to both economic devclopnient and preserving the values of Naturc is rcady to share these experiences, to disseminatc the country’s lessons and to contribute to sustainable development worldwide.

ABOUT VITUKI

VITUKI (as a successor of the Hydrographic Department established in 1886) was founded in 1952 to perform basic and applied research as well as studics rclated to the development, conservation and sound management of the water resources of Hungary. Supported by hydraulic, hydroniachinery, hydrochemical, hydrobiological, waste- water technological and soil mechanical laboratories, equipment, instrumentation, computer facilities and library, VITUKI has emerged as one of the most comprehen- sive water-oriented full-service professional organizations of Europe. It contains three closely cooperating institutes and a training centre offering, besides research, a full range of consultancy, engineering services and education in the fields of hydrology, hydrogeology, hydraulics, water quality and pollution control. VlTUKl is also en- gaged in the restructuring of Hungarian standards and directives rclated to the water sector to correspond to EU expectations. As for international activity, VITUKI is the reference centre of World Meteorologi-

cal Organization (WMO) and World Health Organization (WHO) concerning hydro- logy and water quality, respectively, and one of the founding mcmbcrs of the International Association for Hydraulic Research and Enginecring (IAHR). It has or- ganized several international scientific conferences, workshops on water and environ- ment and since 1966 it has been the organizer of the UNESCO-sponsored International Post-graduate Courses dealing with hydrological methods and water re- lated environment a 1 issues. '

VITUKl's courses -which have provided further education so far to a total of 507 participants coming from 82 countries of the world (see Tablc on pages 6, 7) - were originally aimed primarily at developing nations. and the presence of participants from other countries had only been irregular. In recent years, however, this character of the course has also undergone a change. The Newly Independent States of Central and Eastern Europe as well as of Asia have appeared in the world with their immense in- herited environmental problems, requiring well-trained professionals to cope with them. In recent years therefore, applications have been received in increasing numbers from these countries also.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

The underlying objective of the course is to acquaint post-graduate participants with advanced theoretical and practical methods used in hydrology and related disciplines which together form an integrated approach to environmental management. In the curriculum a three-level approach is followed to achieve this goal. First - as a brushup - disciplines regarded as basic for the studies are reviewed. Second, a thorough ana- lysis is presented of the hydrological processes encountered in the environment, how they are measured and monitored, and through which theoretical approaches they are described to achieve their practical evaluation. Third, the studies lead on to the investigation of individual branches of water resources development, through the

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application of knowledge gained during the course to address problenis in the context of integrated water resources management (IWRM). Participants will also bc in- formed about the European Union’s environmental legislation on the field of water.

Since the application of the theoretical knowledge can only be learned through practice. the course curriculum includes many practical cxerciscs. Further, an assess- ment of the student’s achicvcmcnts is provided through tests, exams and an individ- ually written Closing Paper. A Certificate ofAttcndance is finally awarded on the iiicrit of all these.

Achicveinents in Hungary in thc field of environmental and water 1-esoui-ces inan- ageinent - with particular reference to the involved hydrological aspects -are used as references in the course of the studics. Accordingly study tours are organized within the country.

It is also sincerely hoped that during tlic course the participants gain a good knowl- edge of their host countiy, Hungary. and that they leave with a feeling of friendship for her people. Being aware of thc present gcnder imbalance amongst management and technical

personnel in the water and cnvironinental sectors women are particularly encouraged to participate in the training programine.

CURRICULUM

UNESCO, under IHP-I11 Project 13. 1 , has issued an Evaluation of tlie UNESCO Sponsored Post-Graduate Courses containing a Model Curriculum. This has been adapted for this course, and then developed to reflect the increasing inipoilance of eii- vironmental implicatioiis.

It is presumed that the participants have coniplcted training in elementary subjects related to the coLirsc (such as elementary mathematics, physics, chemistry. mechanics, hydraulics and surveying) to an adequate level and possess a sound working knowl- edge of English. Building upon this knowlcdge, and following the general approach outlined above, the curriculum is dividcd into eight subjects. starting with those con- sidered as basic and followed by the specific hydrological subjects. The latter are structured so as to lead from tlie observational and theoretical aspects of hydrology and the related disciplines (emphasizing the environmental implications) to the prac- tical application of hydrological proficiency in the practice of environiiicntal nianagc- tiient as related to the individual branches of water management. See the detailed curriculum on thc following page. The preparation of the individual Closing Paper also fornis an integral part of the

training programme. The subject of the Paper is chosen by each participant in early stages of the course. - possibly covering some hydrology-related environmental prob- lems of their country of origin -and assistance is provided by individually assigned consultants. Participants arc requested to procure and bring basic material from their country enabling them to work on their closing papcr.

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CALL FOR SPONSORSHIP

Since applicants arc sometimes unable to cover the costs incurred their attendance dc- pends on support from donor organisations/agencies. Due to financial constraints of the traditional sponsors of the course (UNESCO, WMO, Thc Hungarian Govcrnmcnt) companies related to water and/or environmental sector arc invited to support talented pai-ticipants. Education is a small but important step towards the long-term goal of sus- tainable development which, together with environment friendliness, is emphasised by most reputable (multinational) companies of the field both for marketing policy and corporate image. It is also a far-sighted way of thinking to establish contact with future decision makers of the sector whose favour can pay off in the long-run for donors. Thcrefore it is hoped that companies involved in water or environment related ac-

tivities (hydrometry, water and wastewater supply and treatment, hydropower and ma- chinery. navigation, construction of hydro-structures etc.) will respond to this initiative. express their interest and support deserving participants. With your intention please contact Dr. J6zscf Gayer COUIBC director by phondfax: + 36 1 2 15 60 47 or by E-mail: gayei:jozsef~vituki.hu. Supporters will be given thc possibility to present their company and productsiser-

vice for the participants.

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DISTRIBUTION OF THE PARTICIPANTS

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BY COUNTRY AND BY YEAR

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LECTURING STAFF

The lecturers are drawn from thc staff of prominent Hungarian institutions. A number of them come from VITUKI’s own staff. as its wideranging research activities provide appropriate experts for many of the Course subjects. Other lecturers come from Hun- garian institutions concemcd with one or other of the disciplines related to environ- mental managerncnt, particularly hydrology. Assistance is also sought from those Hungarian experts who have gained professional experiences while working in other parts of the world. Last but not least, prominent experts of hydrology and environmental inanagcment from outside Hungary contribute to the Course as guest lecturers.

REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING THE CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE

The successful complction of the Course is recognized by the award of a Certificate of Attendance which in itself proves the participant‘s expertize in hydrology, and which may also serve as an introduction to subsequent studics for high academic dc- grces (in Hungary or in other countries). The participant can obtain the Certificate of Attendance if he/she has satisfied the

following conditions. a) Active and regular participation at the lectures and the field trips during the entire

b) Satisfactory results of practical exerciscs, field work and laboratory assignments. c) Satisfactory results of the written examinations held during the Course. d) Submission of a satisfactory Closing Paper. e) Satisfactory performance at the Examination Board at the end of the Course (classi-

duration of the Course.

fied as “passed”, “average”, “good”, or “excellent”).

FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR THE PARTICIPANTS

Lectures are given on VITUKl’s premises, where a fully equipped lecture hull, coni- puters, laboratories and jield exercise grounds are available for the Course. The office of the Course Secretariat is responsible for dealing with problems related to the course, and is ready to assist them in their personal problems as well, as far as is possible. VITUKI’s library, and other great libraries in Budapest are at the disposal of the

participants and contain a wealth of professional literature to support their individual studies.

Supporting material for each lecture is provided for the participants in the form of lecture-notes written by the individual lecturers.

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DURATION OF THE COURSE

The Course will start at the beginning of April, and will terminate at the end of July 2005, thus covcring a four-month period comprising lectures, exercises. individual studies, study tours and examinations, as described in the foregoing.

ADMISSION TO THE COURSE

Admission to the Course is decided by the Adini.s.sion Board, on the basis of the ap- plicant's meeting the pcr.sonnl and,financicd adriiissiori rrquireriients.

Personal admission requirements

The Course is open to any applicants of less than 40 years, coming from any country of the world and possessing basic knowledge in subjects related to environinental management, with special regard to hydrology, fluid mechanics, geology and meteor- ology, as well as applied mathcniatics. mathematical statistics and systems analysis. The applicants must have complcted a thorough training in these subjects and hold a degree in environmental or hydrological sciences, or civil engineering, or a.relatcd dis- cipline from a university or other recognized institution of higher education. Minimum requirements arc a B. Sc. degree or equivalent level of academic studies and two years of experience in the field of cnvironinental management or hydrology, or in one of the branches of water management. Verifiable certifcatcs of proof arc required.

Pivjicirncj? in v e h l arid n,ritten English is fin esseriticil condition c?f'adtiiission. Applicants coming from non-English speaking countries are required to submit a cer- tificate ofthis proficiency.

Pcirticipnit.v (we riot ericoiri~uged to bring Iheir, finiiilv tneiiibers, and if' they insist on doing so. t h q i should De m w e thal thej, will bc responsible, for all the,finnricial come q ueii res.

Financial admission requirements

Participution fke, CJSD 8,000 covering instruction and practical training, the use of laboratory and computer facilities; costs of publications provided and field trips; as well as medical insurance for acute diseases or accidents in Hungary for the duration of the course (but not if leaving the country); self catering accommo- dation and inonlhly tickets for local transportation withirl Budapest. A monthly allowance to the value of HUF 45.000 is provided to cover subsistance (canteen lunch at VITUKI is available). The participation fee is payable in advance by cheque, or by bank transfer.

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FELLOWSHIPS Applicants unable to meet these financial conditions are advised in the first place to apply for a fellowship from their own governmental resources. Fellowships may also be obtained from the United Nations and its specialized agencies through the local UNDP ofice or at the represcntative of the concerned agency in the applicant's country. These may provide assistance either from their central budget assigned for training purposes, or from the train- ing component of one of their current projects under execution in the applicant's country. A n appendix includes- for information- the addresses of some of the UN agencies. These organi7ations should be approached directly by the applicant. Apart from providing an offer of admission (provided the candidate is eligible) and infomiation on the course to potcntial sponsors, VITUKI is unable to assist candidates in obtaining sponsorships (see point 21.2 ofthe Application Fonn). It should be noted that UNESCO is not included in the above list, since its sponsoring of the Course includes financial support put at the dis- posal of the Admission Board. It does not accept applications for personal fellowships for - consideration.

Application for a WMO sponsored fellowship should be sent to WMO Fellowship Di- vision, Education and Training Department, World Meteorological Organization 7 bis, av- enue de la Pais, Case Postale No 2300 CH- 12 1 1 Geneve 2, Switzerland, by using both the Application Form included in this booklet and WMO Fellowship Form.This is available either from the permanent representative of the candidate's country to WMO (usually the head of the country's Meteorological Service) or from the above address. In very limited cases special agreements may be ncgotiated between the Admission Board and Hungarian institutions for granting some financiat support on the basis of bilateral aid agreements with ccrtain countries.

INTERRUPTION OF THE COURSE Any participant attending under a fellowship grant and interrupting the course without a justified reason after arrival to Budapest will be obliged to refund all expenses (air- fare, accommodation and allowance) incurred up to the date of departure.

LIVING IN HUNGARY Budapest (population 1.8 million, area 525 krn') has a dense network of buses, trolley- buses and tram routes. there are 3 metro and 4 suburban train lines. The season tickets with which participants are provided are valid within the city for all these types of transport.

Although general living expenses in Budapest are increasing, the monthly allow- ance and the self catering accommodation provided for the participants under the terms of admission are adequate for a modest lifestyle appropriate for studying.

Hungary's climate is mainly continental with sometimes oceanic or Mediterranean features, as extremes. In Budapest the daily mean temperature increases from 1 I "C to 23 "C between April and July. The minimum temperature is 7 "C in April, whereas the afternoon maximum is 28 "C in July. The average monthly precipitation in April- JUIY is SO-70 mni with the highest values in the middle of this period. The air is

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nioderately dry with 6 M 5 % diurnal mean relative humidity. The avcrage sunshine duration incrcascs from 6 to IO hours pcr day between April and .luly. Some wceks and months may decline from these avcrages considcrably. Hence, clothing that fit all kinds of cxtremitics is adviscd.

APPLICATIONS AND ADMISSION

A complete application consists of 1. the enclosed Application Fonn duly filled in (one copy): 2. a copy and the official English translation of the certificate of graduation (listing

3. four photographs; 4. Report of Medical Examination: the enclosed form duly completed (one copy),

stampcd and signed by the competent medical officer of an internationally recog- nized medical institution. Failure to answer any of the questions will be considered as implying conccalinent of an illness. The Course Management retains the right to require further medical examinations after the participant’s arrival in Hungary, and thosc suffering from a contagious disease will be repatriated;

5. certificate of proficiency in the English language issued by a recognized organiza- tion (for applicants from non-English speaking countries only);

6. professional curriculum vitae (with a list of publications attached); 7. recommendation and an approval of participation in the Course by the employer,

especially in the case of countries where the candidate would not receive an exit visa from hisher own authoritics in the absence of such an approval.

All information given will be treated confidentially. The applications will be examined by the Admission Board and the applicants will

be informed of thc Board’s decision in January 2005. Applicants are adviscd to study carefully paragraph 2 1 of the Application Form and

answer this question while rcmembering that priorities of admission will be made in the order shown there.

It is advisablc that applications should be sent in either through the country’s IHP National Committee, or UNDP office or, if the country has a culturalieducational agreement with Hungary, through that government agency of the applicant’s country which is implementing the sanie.

the subjects studied and the marks obtained);

The candidates admitted to the Course will be provided in due time with de- tailed information on visa formalities, time of arrival, climatic conditions pre- vailing in Hungary, information as regards currency, customs regulations, etc. Applications should he sent before 31 December 2004 to

VITUKI TRAINING H-1453 Budapest, Pf. 27.

Hungary

Addresses of some international organizations

UN DP United Nations Development Programme 1 UN Plaza

New York 10017 USA

WMO World Meteorological Organization Case postale No. 2300 CH- I2 I 1 Geneva 2 Switzerland

WHO World Health Organization CH-I211 Gencva 27

FFFI 2 IO8

World Bank 1818 H Street,N. W. Washington, D. C. 20433 USA

UNEP United Nations Environmental Programme P.O. Box 30552 Nairobi Kenya

UN/Department for Economic Social Affairs Palais des Nations CH-I 2 I 1 Geneva 10 Switzerland

Switzerland

UNDRO Vienna International Center United Nations Disaster Relief Organization A-I 400 Vienna Palais des Nations CH-121 I Geneva IO Switzerland

International Atomic Energy Agency

Wagramerstrasse 5, PO Box 100

Austria

FAO United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization Via Terme di Caracalla 1-00 100 Roma Italy

________- International Post-Graduate Coime on Hvdrolop with special regard to IWRM

o47ani:ed at Water Resources Research Centre, VITUKI

irnder the auspices of International Hydrological Programme of UNESCO

WMO, Geneva Republic of Hungary

Organization for International Technical and Scientific Cooperation and Training Co. Ltd.TESC0, Budapest Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Sponsors qf:fbrmer Courses: thc Kingdom of the Netherlands

the Flemish Regional Government through IUPWARE

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The venue of the course is VITUKI, Water Resources Research Centre Kvassay Jeno ut I., Budapest IX., Hungary

Mailing address: VITUKI, H-1453 Budapest Pf. 27, Hungary Telephone: (361) 215 3043 or

Fax: (361) 215 3043 or (36 1) 2 15 8 160 (ext. 2489, 2207)

(361) 216 1514 E-mail: training@vituki.hu

Courw Director Dr Jozsef GAYER

Course Manager Jozsef TICHY-RACS

http:llwww. vituki. hulceglt~iif_index.ht~n

WTUKl's central building, the venue of the course