The IGCS focus area for Sustainable Water Management addresses the sustainable management of coastal infrastructure and inland water resources emphasizing the impacts of climate change. This includes modelling climate-induced hazards like storm surges, flooding, and saltwater intrusion, while developing adaptation strategies to strengthen coastal resilience. IGCS research spans surface and groundwater management, evaluating risks to water resources, the robustness of waste management systems and long-term water quality trends, aiming to reduce pollution and enhance biodiversity.
In collaboration with German and Indian institutions, IGCS combines advanced climate and hazard modelling, risk assessment, and eco-based adaptation strategies. Using GIS alongside field measurements, IGCS maps and simulates risks related to sea-level rise and extreme weather events. This multidisciplinary approach enables comprehensive vulnerability assessments, helping to predict inundation levels and develop sustainable water management strategies across diverse environments.
Research Projects
Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Infrastructure and Adaptation Strategies
The research project assesses the impacts of climate change on India’s coastal infrastructure, to develop a GIS tool to map exposure levels of coastal areas, evaluate vulnerabilities in critical infrastructures and propose effective adaptation strategies. The initiative is supported by a consortium of academic institutions and is part of India’s National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.
Assessment of Water Quality of the Lakes of the Pallikaranai Catchment
The research project evaluates long-term water quality trends before and after monsoon seasons in the Pallikaranai catchment in Chennai. It advocates for enhanced wastewater management, increased treatment facilities, and ecological restoration measures of several lakes affected by pollution. The project is funded by multiple organizations and involves partners from Kiel University and IIT Madras.
Teaching
IGCS Summer School 2021
Water resources faces immense pressures from population growth, urbanization, pollution, and climate change. The UN recognises water security as a critical global crisis in the coming decades. Ensuring sustainable water management is a key UN Sustainable Development Goal. This Summer School focuses on sustainable management of saltwater-freshwater interfaces—unique zones crucial to coastal ecosystems and human populations—by bringing together students from India and Germany to address challenges, understand climate impacts, and explore innovative management approaches for these vital areas.
IGCS Winter School 2021
Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) is a cornerstone of the Blue Economy, vital for the economic growth of communities and regions connected by rivers and coasts. Historically significant for transporting goods, IWT remains an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly mode with high safety and carrying capacity. Current global projects aim to enhance IWT infrastructure, addressing challenges such as channel maintenance and sustainability. This Winter School gathers Indian and German students to explore IWT’s systemic role, sustainability, and smart technology solutions to strengthen this critical sector.
Activities
Dr. Woiwode publishes article on Adaptive Governance, Pericene Project
IGCS is thrilled to announce publication of research article by our Research Associate Dr. Christoph Woiwode with former IGCS Area…
IGCS’ Dr Alsouleman visits University of Oxford
IGCS Postdoc Dr. Khulud Alsouleman is currently visiting University of Oxford.Read more about her exciting stay here: “I am pleased…
New Project for IGCS Focus Area Landuse
This 18-month-long project addresses one of humanity’s key grand challenges at the interface of rapid urbanization, namely how to make…
Publications
Research projects are one of IGCS’ supporting pillars and are reflected by numerous workshops, meetings, and project proposals. Cooperation in research projects goes beyond the IGCS partner universities and we regularly work together with various German and Indian institutions.
Reports/Books Chapters
20
Journal Articles
64
Conference Proceedings
63
Media Productions
Podcast Series
The IGCS podcast provides insights into interdisciplinary training, teaching, exchange and research in the area of sustainable development from the perspectives of our Area Coordinators. Hear insights from our experts on topics of sustainability and the role of IGCS for it.
Lab Videos
Immerse yourself in the forefront of scientific research with IGCS Lab Video Series. Our videos feature IGCS scholars and researchers showcasing their focus in their respective scientific fields. Explore our latest playlist to find a wealth of information and inspiration from the academic community.
