International Commission for the Hydrology of the Rhine Basin (CHR)

The CHR is an organization in which the scientific institutes of the Rhine riparian states develop joint hydrological measures for sustainable development of the Rhine basin. The CHR was founded in 1970 following advice by UNESCO to promote closer co-operation in international river basins. Since 1975, the work has been continued within the framework of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) of the UNESCO and the Operational Hydrological Programme (OHP) of the WMO. The member states of the CHR are: Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

CHR's mission and tasks

Expansion of the knowledge of the hydrology in the Rhine basin through:

• joint research;
• exchange of data, methods and information;
• development of standardized procedures;
• publications in the CHR series.

Making a contribution to the solution of cross-border problems through the formulation, management and provision of:

• information systems, e.g. GIS for hydrological practice;
• Models, e.g. models for water management and a Rhine Alarm model.