AXA Chair on Water Quality and Global change

Project Details

Start & end date

11/2022 - 11/2024

People

AXA Chair on Water Quality and Global change

Rivers, lakes, and aquifers are the lifeblood of our planet. They sustain ecosystems, deliver clean water, support agriculture, regulate our climate, and preserve biodiversity. Yet, we're dangerously underestimating the urgent threat of water contamination in a global change context. This neglect has far-reaching consequences, jeopardizing public health, ecological stability, economic resilience, food security, and environmental justice. The time for action is now, and the urgency cannot be overstated.

Water contamination within the context of global change is a pressing concern that arises from the intricate interplay of climate change, large urbanization, industrialization, and shifting land use patterns. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive strategies that encompass monitoring, comprehensive management tools and effective water policy developments.

Led by Professor Ann van Griensven, the AXA Chair on Water Quality and Global Change is implementing three essential research initiatives to address global water pollution challenges amid changing circumstances. Firstly, it acknowledges the pressing need for water quality monitoring, given the significant disparities in data availability worldwide. Closing this data gap is not a choice; it's a moral imperative to comprehend the condition of our water bodies and ensure environmental justice. The chair is dedicated to advancing data collection methods with citizen involvement and exploring cost-effective technologies such as remote sensing. Secondly, water quality modeling is indispensable for preserving water resources, guiding decision-making, and addressing environmental issues. These models enable us to predict water quality parameters, identify pollution sources, and safeguard ecosystem services. The AXA Chair aims to develop regional water quality models and a global water quality model. Thirdly, effective research communication is vital for translating theory into actionable decisions. It bridges the gap between scientists and policymakers, creating accessible reports and equipping decision-makers with robust evidence. It also enhances the applicability of scientific findings by adapting them to local contexts and involving stakeholders.


Case Studies


Lake Victoria, situated in East Africa, stands as the largest tropical freshwater lake globally in terms of surface area and holds a pivotal role in the region's ecosystem, economy, and cultural heritage. This iconic lake is a life source for the countries it borders, namely Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, boasting remarkable biodiversity with a diverse range of fish species, including the famed Nile perch and tilapia, sustaining a complex food web and supporting millions of livelihoods. Moreover, Lake Victoria serves as a critical economic driver, significantly contributing to the economies of the surrounding nations, providing the primary source of income for fishing communities, and facilitating transportation and trade. Beyond its significance, it acts as a vital source of freshwater, meeting the basic needs of the growing populations along its shores, while serving as a transportation corridor enhancing regional connectivity. However, Lake Victoria grapples with various environmental challenges, including pollution, overfishing, invasive species, deforestation, climate change, and water management issues that collectively threaten its delicate ecological balance.


Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest freshwater lake, is a crucial natural resource with profound economic, ecological, and cultural significance, nestled at the heart of Nicaragua, spanning over 8,000 square kilometers, and serving as a lifeline for both the environment and the communities it sustains. The lake's importance is multi-faceted, as it drives the region's fisheries, providing sustenance and income to local communities, while also serving as a vital energy source through Nicaragua's largest hydroelectric power station. Furthermore, it acts as a vital transportation route, facilitating commerce and connectivity. Ecologically, the lake and its surrounding wetlands house unique biodiversity, supporting a delicate balance of ecosystems within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Yet, Lake Nicaragua faces severe environmental pressures, including pollution, invasive species, deforestation, and climate change-induced alterations, endangering its sustainability. Therefore, concerted conservation efforts, both local and international, are imperative to preserve its ecosystems, protect its rich biodiversity, and ensure the enduring benefits it provides to the region's people and culture.


Lake Titicaca, situated in the Andes at an elevation of 3,812 meters above sea level, stands as South America's largest freshwater lake, the world's highest navigable lake, and a vital water resource in the Andes region, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia. This remarkable waterbody embodies not only a geographical wonder but also an indispensable cultural, economic, and ecological treasure. Revered as the reputed birthplace of the Inca civilization, its shores are adorned with archaeological sites, ancient ruins, and indigenous communities preserving age-old traditions.

Encompassing the drainage basin of the Scheldt River, is a region of paramount significance, boasting a rich tapestry of agriculture, vital transportation through the Port of Antwerp, and diverse biodiversity. However, the area faces environmental challenges such as pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, flood management concerns exacerbated by climate change, habitat degradation due to urbanization, invasive species, and water quality issues, requiring ongoing efforts and international cooperation to safeguard the ecological health and vitality of this critical waterway.