Alejandra Orozco

School of Sustainability​

School of Sustainability

School of Sustainability at the IIT Madras, India

The ABCD Centre congratulates the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and Director Kamakoti Veezhinathan for inaugurating their new School of Sustainability. The TUD Dresden University of Technology and its School of Civil and Environmental Engineering are proud to be part of this initiative by extending the existing cooperation towards sustainability. The inauguration ceremony was honoured with contributions from leaders like Jayant Sinha and Kala Vairavamoorthy and an introduction to the vision of the new school by Ashwin Mahalingam.

The ABCD Centre also appreciates the Dean of Global Engagement of IIT-Madras, Raghunathan Rengasamy, and his team for the continued joint effort to foster fruitful measures of internationalization among our universities - where the cooperation in the Heritage Network is just another example among others.

Therefore, we share some André Lindner words: As disillusioning as the results of the Global #SustainableDevelopment Report 2023 by the United Nations might seem - it is also quoted there: "Transformations are possible - and inevitable." Let's work together to make something happen!

WATSAT training workshop in IIT Madras, India

WATSAT training workshop in IIT Madras, India

Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT)

Successful conduction of the training workshop on Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT)

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), India with support from the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre – Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, Dresden (ABCD-Centre) successfully organized a pre-conference workshop on “How to Measure Urban Water Security? An introduction to the Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT)” at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, India on 03 October 2023. The workshop was part of the international conference on “Water Security and Climate Adaptation (WSCA2023),” held in IIT Madras on 04-07 October 2023. The workshop's objective was to promote the capacity building of future water professionals by introducing the WATSAT and making them able to independently assess the water security status at the city scale.

More than 30+ participants attended the training workshop, including students, early-career researchers, practitioners, and government agencies. In his welcome remarks, Prof. Jurgen Stamm from Dresden Technical University (TUD) and the ABCD-Centre lead introduced the Centre itself and the activities it has been conducting in the last three years. Prof. Stamm highlighted the paramount importance of water security in the urban area in various dimensions such as population growth, public health, economy, infrastructure, social equity, environment, etc. On behalf of the organizing team, Dr. Victor Shinde from NIUA provided the opening remarks to the participants and reiterated the tool's usefulness to city planners for assessing and improving the water security status of their cities.

Prof. Mukand Babel from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, set the scene by introducing the concept of water security. Dr. Shinde provided an in-depth description of WATSAT and details of the assessment framework. It was followed by Dr. Dibesh Khadka from AIT, engaging the participants with a hands-on exercise using the tool with a case study. Prof. S. A. Sannasiraj from IIT Madras and a member of the WSCA2023 organizing committee provided the closing remarks and distributed certificates to the participants.

The water security assessment tool (WATSAT) is an example of best practice implemented to bridge the science-policy-society gap by facilitating the transfer of science into practice. WATSAT is a tool developed at the Asian Institute of Technology to help city authorities and decision-makers objectively evaluate the water security situation in the city. The tool is available at (www.watsat.org) and uses an indicator-based methodology that measures five distinct dimensions of water security, culminating in a Water Security Index (WSI)

Overall, the workshop seires successfully provided a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and exploring innovative solutions for water security and adaptation challenges .

Click here to learn more about WATSAT

WATSAT training workshop at IIT Tirupati, India

WATSAT training workshop at IIT Tirupati, India

Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT)

Successful conduction of the training workshop on Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT)

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati, with support from the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre – Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, Dresden (ABCD-Centre) successfully organized an international training workshop on “How to Measure Urban Water Security? An introduction to the Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT)” at the IIT Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India on 01 October 2023. The workshop's objective was to promote the capacity building of future water professionals by introducing the WATSAT and making them able to independently assess the water security status at the city scale.

More than 30+ participants attended the training workshop, including students, early-career researchers, practitioners, and government agencies. Dr. Chandra Sekkhar Bahinipati, the Coordinator of the workshop and Assistant Professor at IIT Tirupati extended a warm welcome to the participants. Delivering the opening remarks, Prof. K.N. Satyanarayana, the director of IIT Tirupati, emphasized the critical significance of the water security concept and underscored the workshop's timely relevance for the students of IIT Tirupati and other practitioners.

Prof. Mukand Babel from AIT set the scene by introducing the concept of water security. Mr. Kaushal Chapagain from AIT provided an in-depth description of WATSAT and details of the assessment framework. It was followed by Dr. Dibesh Khadka from AIT, engaging the participants with a hands-on exercise using the tool with a case study. Finally, certificates were distributed to participants by Prof. Sasidhar Gumma, Dean of International and Alumni Affairs at IIT Tirupati, along with Dr. Prasanna V. Sampath, Assistant Professor, IIT Tirupati.

Click here to learn more about WATSAT

WATSAT is a tool developed at the Asian Institute of Technology to help city authorities and decision-makers objectively evaluate the water security situation in the city. The tool is available at (www.watsat.org) and uses an indicator-based methodology that measures five distinct dimensions of water security, culminating in a Water Security Index (WSI).

Special session on climate risk and resilience

Special session on climate risk and resilience

XVIII World Water Congress

The Centre for Water and Climate Adaptation (CWCA) of the Asian Institute of Technology conducted a special session on climate risk and resilience at the XVIII World Water Congress

The Centre for Water and Climate Adaptation (CWCA) of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, has successfully organized a Special Session titled "Climate Change Risk and Countermeasures: Building Resilience for Sustainable Development" in the XVIII World Water Congress on 11 September 2023. The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) organized the congress from 11-15 September 2023 in Beijing, China. The special session was conducted in collaboration with esteemed partners, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan (NAST), the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic (NASKR), and the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Pakistan. It convened diverse experts, researchers, and policymakers to address the pressing issue of adapting to climate change in water resources management.

The session was attended by 25+ participants and was expertly moderated by Prof. Mukand S. Babel from AIT. Prof. Babel took the opportunity to introduce the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre – Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, Dresden (ABCD-Centre), which has the financial support of DAAD, Germany. He highlighted the activities conducted by the Centre in the last three years and possibilities of research collaboration and other opportunities with the Centre. The special session featured a lineup of distinguished speakers and panelists who shared their research findings and insights regarding the impacts of climate change on water resources and adaptation measures. Dr. Dibesh Khadka from AIT delved into the topic of enhancing resilience in Thailand's Mun River basin, shedding light on the multifaceted impacts of climate change on the agriculture sector. Furthermore, Dr. Mujtaba Hassan from IST, Pakistan, presented uncertainties surrounding climate change studies through a case study of Pakistan's Hamza Basin. Dr. Karin M. Krchnak, Director of the IWRA Executive Board and the American Chemistry Council (ACC), discussed Climate change adaptation for building resilience in the water sector. She emphasized the urgent need for collaboration and community engagement in water action.Dr. Anna Görner, representing the CIPSEM team, extended her welcoming remarks, highlighting the significance of the partnership between ABCD Centre and CIPSEM in creating a space for students and alumni to shape a better future. Additionally, she shared information regarding the International Postgraduate Training Program in environmental management for developing countries.

The Special Session also hosted a dynamic panel discussion on "Adapting to a Changing Climate: Strategies and Innovation in Water Resources Management." Prof. Qiuhong Tang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences highlighted challenges stemming from growing water demand and erratic water availability, exacerbated by climate change. Prof. Phillipe Gourbesville of the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research advocated innovative business models to enhance water service quality while optimizing costs. Mr. Ganesh Pangare, who serves as the Director of the IWRA Executive Board and as a Transboundary Water Engagement Advisor at the World Bank, emphasized the necessity of technical and financial collaboration, encouraged regional thinking, and underscored the importance of transcending geopolitical boundaries to catalyze climate change adaptation. Dr. Karin reiterated the significance of translating research findings into actionable policies that attract investment for sustainable water management. Additionally, she emphasized the shift from a linear approach to a circular one in industries, promoting the manufacture of recyclable products. Overall, the special session highlighted the urgent global need for cooperation, innovation, and policy advocacy to build resilient water systems in the face of mounting challenges posed by climate change.

WSCA 2023 – Water Security and Climate Adaptation conference

WSCA 2023

Water Security and Climate Adaptation conference

The ABCD Centre successfully organized the international conference "WSCA 2023" from the 4th to the 7th of October. The conference was hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and was financed by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD). The conference was very dynamic as we counted on the participation of speakers, scientific authors, and students who discussed topics related to "Adaptation and Mitigation through Sustainable Development." Moreover, the participants had the chance to be part of three interactive, practical, and valuable workshops: 1) Energy, Water and Coastal Protection: A Climate Change Perspective 2) How to Measure Water Security using the Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT) 3) Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) for Climate Change Adaptation. !) Energy, Water and Coastal Protection: A climate change perspective 2) How to Measure Water Security using the Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT) 3) Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) for Climate Change Adaptation.

Click here to learn more about the event

Regarding our statistics, 79 authors from different parts of the world were planned to share their scientific research during the conference. Also, 15 keynote and plenary speakers shared their knowledge and messages with the attendees. At the conference, the participants had the chance to share cutting-edge scientific research worldwide and connect with acknowledged scientists working on the vital nexus of water security and climate adaptation.

With a focus on "Adaptation and Mitigation through Sustainable Development," different sessions discussed a variety of topics such as: "inclusive sanitation" and "Water security between Global South to Global North" from the "Governance and Policy" point of view. As well as discussions about the role of higher education in a panel about: "policy, government, and finance for water security."

The WSCA conference was a dynamic gathering of experts and thought leaders who collaborated, shared insights and paved the way for a sustainable future in water management. The event aims to make a lasting impact, globally promoting research strategies and best practices.

UN SDG ACTION WEEKEND – SIDE EVENT

UN SDG ACTION WEEKEND - SIDE EVENT

The SDG Action Weekend side event co-organized by TUD Dresden University of Technology and the United Nations University was succesful. It was focused on the importance of Higher Education the field of environmental management to achieve sustainable development. The main goals of this weekend were: 1) to showcase successful initiatives and case studies where postgraduate education has contributed significantly to advancing the SDGs, particularly in the context of environmental management and resource-nexus applications. 2)to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing postgraduate programs that focus on sustainability and the resource nexus, especially in partnerships with higher education institutions in the Global South. 3) to promote collaboration and partnerships between universities, governmental bodies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance the impact of postgraduate education on sustainable development efforts.

Click here to learn more about the SDG Action Weekend in Dresden

Dr. André Lindner, Associated Expert of the ABCD Centre and Head and International Affairs Advisor of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering of TUD organized this side event, which was simultaneously occurring in New York from 18th to 19th September.

Click here to learn more about SDG Summit of the United Nations in New York

Active Engagement in Recent Stockholm Meetings and Events

Active Engagement in Recent Stockholm Meetings and Events

Date: August 25, 2023

The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre is pleased to announce its active participation in various meetings and events held in Stockholm. These engagements highlight the Center's commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing global efforts in water and climate adaptation.

The Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM) and the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) recently hosted its annual meeting from August 18th to 19th, 2023, at the Global Water Partnership office in Stockholm, Sweden. This successful event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including more than 12 Support Base Partners (SBPs), as well as representatives from GWP and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

One of the notable highlights of the annual APFM SBPs forum was the joint meeting with SBPs from the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP). The purpose of this gathering was to explore synergistic activities for managing floods and droughts comprehensively. Discussions centered around extending support and commitment to the UN Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative, aligning with the overall mission of effective disaster preparedness and response.

The primary objective of the Annual SBPs forum was to facilitate in-depth discussions and evaluations of the accomplishments during the previous reporting period. Additionally, participants collaboratively charted the course for the future, establishing strategies for ongoing work. The APFM/IDMP Technical Support Unit (TSU) reaffirmed its dedication to assisting WMO Member countries in building robust end-to-end early warning systems for floods and droughts. These efforts will align seamlessly with the UN's Early Warning for All initiative, ensuring comprehensive protection against water-related disasters.

Looking ahead, the APFM/IDMP Technical Support Unit will focus on developing a comprehensive three-year work strategy. This strategy encompasses the expansion of the Integrated Flood Management (IFM) and Integrated Drought Management (IDM) Helpdesks, aimed at providing vital information and support for integrated water resources management strategies.

In the context of the esteemed World Water Week 2023, which took place from August 20th to 24th, Dr. Firas Aljanabi of the ABCD-Centre seized the opportunity to engage in several side meetings. These discussions revolved around extending the Center's network and establishing meaningful partnerships that drive long-term impact. Dr. Aljanabi also showcased the wide-ranging opportunities provided by the ABCD-Centre, emphasizing its role as a catalyst for positive change.

The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre remains steadfast in its commitment to global collaboration and innovation. These recent engagements underscore the Center's dedication to addressing water-related challenges and shaping a sustainable future.

ABCD-Centre Transfer Workshop Series

ABCD-Centre Transfer Workshop Series

Collaborative Workshop by ABCD-Centre and CIPSEM on Water Security and Adaptation

Securing Our Water Future

On July 5th, 2023, the Centre For International Postgraduate Studies Of Environmental Management (CIPSEM) and ABCD-Centre collaborated to host a workshop series at TU Dresden, focusing on topics regarding the challenges and solutions proposals to achieve water security and climate adaptation in different countries. The event brought together various stakeholders, including scientists, decision-makers, and students, providing them with a platform for dialogue and information exchange to secure our water future.

The day began with a warm welcome from Prof. Stamm, the Head of TUD Dean Faculty of Civil Engineering, emphasizing the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to address the issues surrounding water security and climate adaptation. The workshop series effectively achieved this objective, featuring presenters from different countries and professional backgrounds. Participants had the opportunity to engage with NGO founders, academics, government officials, and students, who shared their insights on cutting-edge technologies and solutions regarding the topic. Dr. Anna Görner, representing the CIPSEM team, extended her welcoming remarks, highlighting the significance of the partnership between ABCD Centre and CIPSEM in creating a space for students and alumni to shape a better future. Additionally, she shared information regarding the International Postgraduate Training Program in environmental management for developing countries.

Click here to learn more about CIPSEM opportunities

The conference included presentations from 12 professionals, with 8 of them being members of the CIPSEM team and four presenters affiliated with the ABCD-Centre, Prof. Mukand Babel and Mr Danish D. R, including two future environmental leaders, Fahad and Kumar. In addition to these insightful sessions, Dr Frances Guerin from the University of Kent, Canterbury, UK, shared a presentation titled "Seeing the Challenges of Water Through Art," offering a unique perspective on water-related issues through artistic expressions. Dr Anna Görner, representing the CIPSEM team, extended her welcoming remarks, highlighting the significance of the partnership between ABCD Centre and CIPSEM in creating a space for students and alumni to shape a better future.

The day concluded with an engaging exchange of ideas between decision-makers and scientists, during which the participants emphasized the importance of improving the availability of open data and refining the methodologies employed for data collection.

Overall, the workshop seires successfully provided a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and exploring innovative solutions for water security and adaptation challenges .

Click here to see the event program

6th ICOE 2023

6th ICOE 2023 hosted at RWTH Aachen, Germany.​

Between the 4th and 8th of June 2023.

A brief tour of the hydraulic testing facilities at the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management (IWW) and a detailed technical tour of the Ahr Valley with a specific focus on the 2021 floods was provided to the participants. The conference had a series of presentations on topics including offshore structures, coastal structures, geomorphology, autonomous navigation, AI, deep learning, forecasting, climate change, marine vehicles, ports and harbours. The delegates and students were also opportune to the eminent keynote lectures from the faculties of world-renowned universities, members of the federal departments and UN Committees for coastal zone and flood management and the Ocean Ambassador.

Learn about research stays

Collaborative Research Journey​

Dr. Saroj Chapagain - AIT, Bangkok​

Dr. Saroj Kumar Chapagain, an Associate Programme Officer at United Nations University- Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), Dresden, has successfully concluded his month-long research stay at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, from May 1st to May 31st, 2023. The research stay, funded by the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD-Centre), aimed to foster collaboration among partners of the Centre.

Main outcomes

One of the key outcomes of Dr. Chapagain’s research stay was the collaborative development of a joint review paper. He worked closely with Prof. Mukund Babel, Dr. Dibesh Khadka, and Prof. Daniel Karthe to draft a systematic review paper on using machine learning (ML) in drought prediction. The team developed an outline and initially screened relevant papers, categorizing them based on specific areas of ML application. The research stays also provided an invaluable opportunity for knowledge sharing and discussions on the nexus approach in integrated resource management. Dr. Chapagain emphasized the importance of the nexus approach and the need for decision support tools, such as sustainability assessment, to promote its implementation in resource planning processes.

Furthermore, Dr. Chapagain participated in a Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT) training workshop organized by AIT and Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN).  This workshop equipped professionals in the water sector with practical skills to assess water security using WATSAT. In addition, the research stay facilitated fruitful collaborations and engagements with leading universities in Thailand, including Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and Ramkhamhaeng University. Dr. Chapagain introduced the ABCD-Centre and highlighted scholarship opportunities for graduates and the potential for future collaborations.

Overall, the research stay hosted by AIT proved to be highly productive, providing an excellent platform for sharing research experiences and exploring climate change adaptation initiatives. It paved the way for developing new research topics, strengthened the partnership beyond ABCD Centre, and opened doors for collaborations with other research centers and universities in Thailand.