Asia-Pacific

You are currently a Senior Fellow and Cluster Coordinator: Nature, Climate, and Health at UNU – CRIS, can you elaborate on your role, and how it relates to water?

The world faces big problems like climate change, water shortages, and health issues. At UNU CRIS, our Nature, Climate, and Health Cluster studies how these problems are linked. We see that climate change makes things like water and food scarce, which hurts people's health. Our research shows how climate change affects water, food, and health security.

Interview with Dr Khalid Mahmood, Assistant Professor at the University of the Punjab

Could you describe your professional career and/or personal experiences related to space technology and water? Where does your interest in those sectors come from?

I started my research career in 2013, with research interests revolving around various environmental concerns that were deeply rooted in water related issues of Pakistan. Having an educational background in Space Science, it was quite intuitive to possess understanding of the very high potential of applicability of Geospatial technologies in the water sector.

Interview with Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information System, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan discussed his extensive work in addressing water-related challenges through the nexus between smart sensing and space technologies. His thematic focus spans water scarcity, food security, climate risks, and environmental monitoring with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region, including Pakistan and China. Key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guiding his work include SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG13 (Climate Action), SDG15 (Life on Land), and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Abbas's passion for water emerged during his early career at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), where he was involved in Pakistan’s Wetland Program and witnessed the impact of water on associated ecosystems. This sparked his interest in understanding and managing water, forestry, and wildlife resources. He recently studied coastal ecosystems and their responses to climate and anthropogenic stressors in the Asia-Pacific region. The Living Indus – Investing in Ecological Restoration has become a new focus of interest for him, addressing sustainability challenges related to food security, river basin management, and efficient water use in alignment with the UN Decade of Ocean objectives. Abbas shared his fascination with water, recognizing its complex and essential nature. He is captivated by its beauty in all forms and acknowledges its fundamental importance for life on Earth. This water connection further motivates his commitment to addressing global water challenges and promoting sustainable water use through innovative solutions. Sawaid Abbas's work, stimulated by both professional commitment and personal fascination, stresses the critical role of space technologies, particularly earth observation, smart sensing nexus, and artificial intelligence in addressing water-related challenges. His research contributes to the development of innovative solutions for sustainable water use, environmental protection, and disaster response, aligning with global goals for a more resilient and water-secure future.

Interview with Nidhi Nagabhatla, Program/Cluster Lead (Nature, Climate and Health) at United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU CRIS)

You are currently a Senior Fellow and Cluster Coordinator: Nature, Climate, and Health at UNU – CRIS, can you elaborate on your role, and how it relates to water?

Interview with Dr Khalid Mahmood, Assistant Professor at the University of the Punjab

Could you describe your professional career and/or personal experiences related to space technology and water? Where does your interest in those sectors come from?

Interview with Hafsa, Aeman, National Researcher, International Water Management Institute (IWM), CGIAR

In the interview, Hafsa Aeman discusses her passion for integrating water resource management with space technologies. She uses remote sensing and AI to tackle challenges like seawater intrusion and coastal erosion, focusing on vulnerable coastal ecosystems. By leveraging satellite data, her work provides critical insights for sustainable water management, crucial for communities impacted by climate change. Ms Aeman highlights the significant role of space technology in water management, especially through remote sensing, which helps monitor precipitation, soil moisture, and groundwater levels. Her proudest achievement is a publication on seawater intrusion, recognized for its innovative use of AI and remote sensing, contributing to Pakistan’s Living Indus initiative. At the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Hafsa’s research integrates AI and remote sensing to optimize water and irrigation management systems. She emphasizes the importance of addressing seawater intrusion, which poses threats to agriculture, ecosystems, and global food security. She also underscores the role of community engagement in sustainable water management through capacity-building workshops for farmers, promoting smarter irrigation practices. She advocates for leadership opportunities for young scientists and believes AI can revolutionize water management by enabling more accurate and efficient data analysis. Rain, symbolizing renewal and sustenance, is her favorite aggregate state of water.

Interview with Aziza Baubekova, PhD., Postdoctoral Researcher at the Water, Energy and Environment Research Unit at the University of Oulu, Finland

Dr. Aziza Baubekova's research tackles critical environmental and water-related challenges in water-scarce regions using innovative approaches like remote sensing and machine learning. Her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also offers practical and policy solutions for developing countries. By applying quantifiable methods, her research provides actionable tools for integrated water resources and ecosystem management, addressing issues related to hydrologic conditions and human impact. Despite earning all her degrees in Europe, Dr. Baubekova maintains a deep connection to Central Asia, focusing her research on the region's unique environmental challenges. As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering Research Unit at the University of Oulu, she contributes significantly to projects like TU-NEXUS, which aims to develop decision-making tools for transboundary river management in Central Asia. Her PhD, completed with distinction in 2023, covers topics such as hydrologic changes, climate change impacts, and coastal ecosystem threats. Beyond her academic work, Dr. Baubekova actively fosters partnerships between Finland and Central Asian institutions, supporting knowledge transfer and technology exchange. As Vice Chair of Young Water Professionals Finland, she promotes professional development, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities for young water experts.

Interview with Farid Farhat, Hydrological Modeling Specialist at UNICITI

Could you describe how your professional and/or personal experience relate to water? Where does your interest in space technology for water come from?

I have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of hydrologic and hydraulic engineering, which is relevant to water. I studied many courses in my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees where I learned how runoff in a watershed is generated from meteorological parameters including rainfall, evapotranspiration and infiltration. I also applied my theoretical knowledge to various projects.

Interview with Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Interview with Hafsa, Aeman, National Researcher, International Water Management Institute (IWM), CGIAR

Interview with Aziza Baubekova, PhD., Postdoctoral Researcher at the Water, Energy and Environment Research Unit at the University of Oulu, Finland

Interview with Farid Farhat, Hydrological Modeling Specialist at UNICITI

Could you describe how your professional and/or personal experience relate to water? Where does your interest in space technology for water come from?

Operational Systems of the SASWE

The Operational Systems of SASWE Research Group website is an online application and decision-support resource showcasing the operational tools and modelling systems developed by the SASWE Research Group at the University of Washington. It features a portfolio of satellite-based operational systems and decision support platforms designed for water resources assessment, reservoir and dam management, river basin forecasting, irrigation advisory, and hydrological monitoring.

Operational Systems of the SASWE

The United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS)

The United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) is a research and training institute of the United Nations University. UNU is a global network of institutes and programs engaged in research and capacity development to support the universal goals of the UN. It brings together leading scholars from around the world with a view to generate strong and innovative knowledge on how to tackle pressing global problems. UNU-CRIS focuses on the study of processes of global cooperation and regional integration and their implications.

International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals

With the aim of addressing global challenges in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, CBAS is committed to harnessing big data to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing technological barriers and filling in data gaps. Since its inauguration, CBAS identified key areas of interest and has made significant progress.

Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab, University of the Punjab

The emerging demand of GIS and Space Applications for Climate Change studies for the socio-economic development of Pakistan along with Government of Pakistan Vision 2025, Space Vision 2047 of National Space Agency of Pakistan, and achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impelled the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) to establish Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab (RSGCRL) at University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

Water, Peace and Security Partnership

WPS is a partnership of research and civil society organizations that work together towards identifying water-related risks of human insecurity, fragility and conflict, and towards developing analytical and dialogue tools for preventing and mitigating such conflicts. WPS is a collaboration between the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a consortium of six partners: IHE Delft (lead partner), World Resources Institute (WRI), Deltares, The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS), Wetlands International and International Alert.

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education is the largest international graduate water education facility in the world and is based in Delft, the Netherlands. Since 1957 the Institute has provided water education and training to 23.000 professionals from over 190 countries, the vast majority from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Also, numerous research and institutional strengthening projects are carried out in partnership to strengthen capacity in the water sector worldwide.

University of Energy and Natural Resources

The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) was established by an Act of Parliament, Act 830, 2011 on December 31, 2011. The University is a public funded national institution which seeks to provide leadership and management of energy and natural resources and be a centre of excellence in these critical areas.

University of Surrey

The University of Surrey is a leading research and higher education institution in the United Kingdom, known for its strengths in space technology and water research, among other fields.

International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre

IGRAC is a research centre that provides groundwater data and information to enhance knowledge and wisdom, support decision making, and promote a world where groundwater is managed sustainably and equitably. Through monitoring and assessment, based on in-situ data and information, we focus our research on groundwater quantity, groundwater quality and transboundary aquifers. IGRAC contributes to capacity development, advocacy and awareness-raising, through knowledge exchange at multiple levels.

Vellore Institute of Technology

Centre for Disaster Mitigation & Management (CDMM), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India

National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is a comprehensive one with high priority for research and evidence-based decision making and has a special place for use of new technology including Geospatial technology. NMCG Authority order of Oct’ 2016 states that the pollution in River Ganga and its tributaries shall be monitored by the use of satellite imagery and other remote sensing technologies.

Center for Space Science and Geomatics Studies (CSSGS), Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University

The Center for Space Science and Geomatics Studies (CSSGS) is the research center with a focus on space science and geomatics applications in the following themes: disaster management, water quality, glacier, precision agriculture, air pollution, water pollution. Research areas also focus on the application of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in forestry, agriculture and engineering.

Stimson Center

The Energy, Water, & Sustainability Program at the Stimson Center addresses important and timely policy issues and technical opportunities concerning energy, water, and sustainable development in the Global South from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Our work on transboundary river basins identifies pathways towards enhancing water security and optimizing tradeoffs between water, energy, and sustainable development options in the Mekong, Ganges-Brahmaputra, Indus, Aral Sea and Euphrates-Tigris river basins.

Schmeier

Susanne Schmeier

Associate Professor IHE Delft Institute for Water Education

Susanne Schmeier is an associate professor at IHE Delft – Institute for Water Education. Her research and advisory work focuses on conflict and cooperation over water resources and tools and approaches for preventing and mitigating water-related conflict and instability risks.

Tumampos

Stephanie Tumampos

PhD researcher at Technical University of Munich

Stephanie has always been fascinated about space science and its applications. After finishing her bachelor's degree in applied physics, she worked for Regulus Spacetech Inc which was founded and headed by one of the few astrophysicists in the country. In this work, she spearheaded many projects including outreach and education in astronomy and space science in the country, and reached out to hundreds of children in her home country.

Ilori

Christopher Ilori

Remote Sensing Specialist

Dr. Christopher Olayinka Ilori is an Earth Observation Specialist with over 10 years of experience transforming satellite data into actionable insights for environmental sustainability, marine conservation, and coastal resilience. He currently serves as a Senior Remote Sensing Scientist at TCarta, USA, where he leads projects on Satellite-Derived Bathymetry (SDB), applying radiative transfer modeling and machine learning to map shallow-water environments critical to national security, navigation, and ecosystem protection.

Maman

Shimrit Maman

Senior Scientist and Head of Israel's UN-Spider Regional Support Office

Dr. Maman is a Senior Scientist at the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change; and Director of the Earth and Planetary Image Facility (EPIF), at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Her research deals with the application of satellite technologies (remote sensing, GIS, OSINT) to environmental challenges and climate change. She is an integral part of the research team leading BGUSAT, Israel's first research nanosatellite.

Popescu

Ioana Popescu

Associate Professor of Hydroinformatics IHE Delft Institute for Water Education

Ioana Popescu is currently Associate Professor of Hydroinformatics at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in Delft, The Netherlands. Her research focuses on computational methods, aspects of flood modeling and vulnerability related to floods, lake and reservoir modeling and water supply systems modeling and optimisation. She is particularly interested in integrating mathematical models into decision support systems. Data is key in model development, hence she explores all sources of data, from EO to in situ data and is for the FAIR data sharing.

van den Bout

Bastian van den Bout

Assistant Professor University of Twente - Faculty ITC

Bastian van den Bout is a researcher at Twente University, and the founder of FastHazard, the spinoff company developing the FastFlood.org model. He has a passion to develop tools that allow for state-of-the-art flood technologies and models to be used easily in vulnerable communities. FastFlood.org and FastSlide.org are two recent models that link automatically with global datasets and allow for groundbreaking simulation speeds. His work has involved large-scale research projects, national-scale hazard mapping and education and supervision for students.

Gustine

Rebecca Gustine

PhD Student at Washington State University and Intern at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

Rebecca is a PhD student in Civil Engineering at Washington State University specializing in water resources engineering. She is also an intern at NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). Her research includes a wide spectrum of topics related to water resources and climate change. She has expertise in both remote sensing and modeling and incorporates a variety of tools in her research.

Popescu

Ioana Popescu

Associate Professor of Hydroinformatics IHE Delft Institute for Water Education

Shakya

Amin Shakya

PhD Candidate at University of Twente

Amin Shakya is a Doctoral Candidate at the ITC Faculty of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, the Netherlands. Amin is researching the application of Earth observations to monitor the world’s rivers. Amin has a double master's degree in Water Science and Engineering from IHE Delft, the Netherlands and TU Dresden, Germany. In addition, he is active in youth networks, most notably, the Groundwater Youth Network.

Related Content

Article

Interview with Nidhi Nagabhatla, Program/Cluster Lead (Nature, Climate and Health) at United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU CRIS)

You are currently a Senior Fellow and Cluster Coordinator: Nature, Climate, and Health at UNU – CRIS, can you elaborate on your role, and how it relates to water?

Interview with Dr Khalid Mahmood, Assistant Professor at the University of the Punjab

Could you describe your professional career and/or personal experiences related to space technology and water? Where does your interest in those sectors come from?

Interview with Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Interview with Nidhi Nagabhatla, Program/Cluster Lead (Nature, Climate and Health) at United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU CRIS)

You are currently a Senior Fellow and Cluster Coordinator: Nature, Climate, and Health at UNU – CRIS, can you elaborate on your role, and how it relates to water?

Interview with Dr Khalid Mahmood, Assistant Professor at the University of the Punjab

Could you describe your professional career and/or personal experiences related to space technology and water? Where does your interest in those sectors come from?

Interview with Hafsa, Aeman, National Researcher, International Water Management Institute (IWM), CGIAR

Interview with Aziza Baubekova, PhD., Postdoctoral Researcher at the Water, Energy and Environment Research Unit at the University of Oulu, Finland

Interview with Farid Farhat, Hydrological Modeling Specialist at UNICITI

Could you describe how your professional and/or personal experience relate to water? Where does your interest in space technology for water come from?

Interview with Sawaid Abbas, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Geographical Information, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Interview with Hafsa, Aeman, National Researcher, International Water Management Institute (IWM), CGIAR

Interview with Aziza Baubekova, PhD., Postdoctoral Researcher at the Water, Energy and Environment Research Unit at the University of Oulu, Finland

Interview with Farid Farhat, Hydrological Modeling Specialist at UNICITI

Could you describe how your professional and/or personal experience relate to water? Where does your interest in space technology for water come from?

Capacity Building and Training Material

Operational Systems of the SASWE

Operational Systems of the SASWE

Stakeholder

The United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS)

International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals

Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab, University of the Punjab

Water, Peace and Security Partnership

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education

University of Energy and Natural Resources

University of Surrey

International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre

Vellore Institute of Technology

National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti

Center for Space Science and Geomatics Studies (CSSGS), Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University

Stimson Center

Person

Susanne Schmeier

Stephanie Tumampos

Christopher Ilori

Shimrit Maman

Ioana Popescu

Bastian van den Bout

Rebecca Gustine

Ioana Popescu

Amin Shakya