The EDIA Working Group, part of the IAH Socio‑Hydrogeology Network, promotes equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility across the hydrogeological community. It contributes actively to international discussions, meetings and webinars, sharing insights to strengthen inclusive practice. Increasing challenges in 2025 in different parts of the world highlight the need for international cooperation and inclusive professional environments. There were well attended conference sessions at the 52nd IAH congress in Melbourne on Indigenous groundwater and Socio-hydrogeology.
The group is developing an Inclusive Hydrogeology Toolkit to help practitioners and organisations embed EDIA principles. Future priorities include addressing gender disparities in hydrogeology careers, improving global access to hydrogeological education, and launching a blog series showcasing diverse career pathways. Members are encouraged to contribute, reinforcing IAH’s commitment to an inclusive global community.
A key contribution from IAH members is a Hydrogeology Journal paper examining colonial legacies and relationships with First Peoples, calling for socially aware, equitable hydrogeological practice. The article concludes with a call to action by the international hydrogeology community: ‘We suggest that a broader understanding and meaningful consideration of the social context in which we practice is essential for all hydrogeologists, regardless of their background or status.
Although this is framed in the context of First Peoples, this approach applies across the board to all our activities and is why the Socio Hydrogeology network is such an important aspect of IAH’s work. We can acknowledge past wrongs, and shape a more positive relationship with First Peoples and local communities moving forward.
This ethos aligns with the Socio‑Hydrogeology Network’s “Break the Bias” mission. The network, including the EDIA group, is also leading IAH’s contribution to World Water Day 2026, focusing on water’s role in gender equality.