In the lecture “Transdisziplinäre Wasserforschung für ein nachhaltiges Wassermanagement,” presented as part of the UNESCO Chairs’ Ring Lecture Series, Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers outlines how cross-disciplinary collaboration supports sustainable water governance amid climate change and societal pressures. Holding the UNESCO Chair in Human-Water-Systems at the University of Bonn, it is emphasized that understanding complex water systems requires moving beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to integrate ecological processes, hydrological dynamics, and human values.
The presentation addresses critical water management challenges, including climate-induced precipitation shifts, severe droughts, destructive flooding, and rising demand from agricultural, urban, and industrial sectors. To mitigate these interconnected risks, the lecture advocates for transdisciplinary, participatory research methods that co-produce knowledge by connecting scientists, policymakers, and local communities. This systems-oriented approach ensures that environmental data and collaborative decision-support tools yield socially relevant, actionable solutions. Ultimately, the insights contribute to a broader shift in sustainability science, linking robust scientific research with the real-world implementation of climate-resilient water governance.