Sustainable freshwater resources and ecosystems
The way we live, the resources we use, and the economic activities associated with these resources all depend on healthy well-functioning ecosystems. The interactions between land, water and air as well as the living organisms in watersheds, wetlands, rivers and lakes combine in ways that provide benefits to people. These interactions take place at such large and overarching scales that they cannot be replaced by technology. Keeping these ecosystems healthy and well-functioning is a requirement for healthy and prosperous human life – and for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
To study sustainable freshwater resources and ecosystems, we follow the movement of water from rainfall and snow through the land, vegetation and human-made structures that it falls on, the soil that it moves through and the aquatic ecosystems which it forms. We consider the speed at which this happens, the amounts it involves and the contaminates that are collected or deposited along the way.
Our work involves catchment surface and groundwater hydrology, soil as well as the ecology of rivers, lakes and wetlands. We seek to understand the movement of water sediment and chemicals within and between these parts of the landscape - and how humans interact with them, both positively and negatively to support personal livelihoods and national and global economies. Furthermore, as the climate changes, so do the dynamics in this integrated system. It is therefore critical to understand this dynamic, including floods and droughts, and to identify appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures.
Finding a balance
Globally, ecosystems are under threat. In both developed and developing countries, there are many efforts to both protect and restore biodiversity and the associated ecosystem functions. Because of the large undeveloped areas of land and globally important ecosystems in Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, the focus is often on these regions. However, it is these regions which are also most in need of development, including making use of resources many would rather see protected. In this regard, we adopt an approach to sustainability which recognizes different cultural perspectives and is creative, reflective, equitable, inclusive and effective. Partnerships across disciplines, within and outside IHE Delft, are key to applying this approach and developing knowledge needed to support countries to develop sustainable and resilient economic growth which still sustains biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems.
As we learn more about these systems and approaches, we are able to provide better guidance to decision-makers and policy developers, and to include new knowledge into our training and education programmes.
Thesis in the spotlight
Christine Adhiambo Etiegni earns PhD for research on fisher folk participation for sustainable fishery management in Lake Victoria
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Sida Liu earns PhD for research on groundwater depletion in Beijing
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Jongchan Kim earns PhD for research on a framework to improve the water environment of the Nakdong River in South Korea
Following PhD research at IHE Delft, Jongchan Kim of South Korea successfully defended his PhD thesis and was awarded with a doctoral degree on 14 September 2023. Professor Dimitri Solomatine is his promotor and Dr. Andreja Jonoski his co-promotor. Dr. Jongchan Kim, who is IHE Delft’s 300th PhD graduate, shared a few insights as he embarks on a new chapter of his life.
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IHE Delft alumna Afua Owusu wins Falkenmark award for best PhD thesis
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PhD research on alteration of nutrient concentration along the Danube
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World Water Quality Alliance calls for urgent action on world’s damaged lakes
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