The FRIEND programme is an international research programme that helps to set up regional networks for analyzing hydrological data. It aims to develop better understanding of hydrological variability and similarity across time and space, through the mutual exchange of data, knowledge and techniques at the regional level. The advanced knowledge of hydrological processes and flow regimes gained through FRIEND helps to improve methods applicable in water resources planning and management. FRIEND is a cross-cutting programme that interacts with all five core IHP-VII themes.

A generic overarching scientific objective has been to improve the understanding of the similarity and hydrological variability across different regions of the world, and to share models and techniques between countries, organizations and researchers. The current research covers a diverse range of topics including low flows, floods, variability of regimes, rainfall/runoff modelling, processes of stream flow generation, sediment transport, snow and glacier melt, climate change and variability and its uncertainties, and land-use impacts.

FRIEND also provides support to researchers and operational staff of hydrological services in developing countries, thereby contributing to their capacity to assess and manage their own national water resources. It thus contributes to the goal of providing a reliable supply of freshwater to the world’s poor.