WaterResearch
Water resource management, water security, and water quality monitoring research
Water - Source of Life
Water is a core NEXUS element, essential for energy production, food production, and ecosystem maintenance. Sustainable water management is one of the most critical challenges determining humanity's future.
- 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water
- Agricultural water accounts for 70% of freshwater use
- Water demand expected to increase 55% by 2050
- UNESCO i-WSSM integrated water resources management research
Core Research Topics
Water Resource Assessment
Quantitative evaluation of water resource availability at the basin level and future water resource projections under climate change scenarios.
Water Quality Management
Identifying pollution sources in urban and rural areas and researching water quality improvement through advanced monitoring and treatment processes.
Groundwater Research
Assessing the sustainability of groundwater recharge and use, and developing groundwater contamination prevention and restoration technologies.
Key Challenges
Water Scarcity
Increasing drought frequency due to climate change and population growth are causing water demand to exceed supply in more regions. Global water demand is expected to increase by 55% by 2050.
Water Pollution
Water quality degradation from industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage is a serious issue. 80% of global wastewater is discharged without adequate treatment.
Climate Change Impact
Climate change directly affects water resource availability through changes in precipitation patterns, glacier retreat, and sea-level rise.
Success Stories
Singapore NEWater Project
Innovative water reuse system treating used water to drinking water standards
Netherlands Delta Programme
Climate-adaptive water management and integrated flood protection system
Korea Smart Water Management
K-water AI-based intelligent water management platform
Our Research Approach
Field Survey
Basin field visits, hydrological data collection, and stakeholder interviews for problem diagnosis
Modeling Analysis
GIS-based hydrological modeling and quantitative assessment through climate change scenario analysis
Pilot Projects
Small-scale pilot project operation and performance verification based on research outcomes
Policy Proposals
Developing guidelines and recommendations for integrating research findings into policy
Water Resource Status
Global Water Availability
Less than 1% of freshwater is directly usable
Water Usage
Agriculture accounts for 70% of freshwater use
Water Crisis Outlook
Water demand to increase 55% by 2050
Water security is not simply a matter of water quantity and quality. It is a complex challenge closely linked to energy, food, and ecosystems, and only an integrated approach can provide sustainable solutions.
UNESCO i-WSSM Research Team
Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus Research
How Does Water Connect to Other NEXUS Elements?
Water is inseparably linked to energy, food, and ecosystems, where changes in one element have cascading effects on the others.
Recommended Resources
GWSI Report (Water Security Index)
Research ReportAsia-Pacific Water Resource Analysis
AnalysisClimate Change & Water Security Strategy
Policy ReportSmart Water Management Tech Guide
Technical ReportJoin Our NEXUS Research
UNESCO i-WSSM is building a sustainable future through Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem nexus research.