The UN Environment Programme GEMS/Water Capacity Development Centre (CDC) was established in University College Cork in 2015 and based in the Environmental Research Institute (ERI). The period up-to 2020 was the first phase of the project. As 2021 begins so too does the second phase of GEMS/Water’s capacity development activities. The funding, provided by the Irish government, will drive the next three years of water quality capacity development worldwide.

The Centre achieved so much in its first phase, which was kindly supported by Irish Aid and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It established contacts and developed relationships with water department personnel in governments and water sector organisations, and in Universities and institutions concerned with water quality capacity development, from all over the world.

The Centre designed and continues to deliver a new MSc and Postgraduate Diploma programme, and Continuous Professional Development courses accredited by University College Cork. Approximately 92 students have participated in these courses, or are still registered.

Since 2015, GEMS/Water CDC has engaged with 107 countries from six different world regions and staff have travelled to many countries:

• to meet with our global partners to raise the issue of water quality capacity,
• to give training workshops in all aspects of water quality monitoring and assessment, and
• to bring people together to support their efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goal Indicator 6.3.2 for ambient water quality to help achieve Goal 6 of the SDGs.

The origin of participants taking part in UNEP GEMS/Water in-situ workshops and online courses. More information in the UNEP GEMS/Water Story Map.

The continued funding for the Centre for the next three years will enable the current capacity development activities to continue and new activities to commence. The Centre will be taking the lead role in providing and facilitating capacity development globally as part of the World Water Quality Alliance.

For more information on Capacity Development Centre visit their website or follow them on twitter.