AXA Chair on Water Quality and Global change

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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.

The AXA Chair on Water Quality and Global change focus its efforts focus on three main components in this case study:

  • In the first research component, a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods is employed to investigate the trade-offs within the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus, with a particular emphasis on water quality and aquatic biodiversity, in the context of climate change. Additionally, this study explores the implementation of adaptation strategies, including Nature-based Solutions, to address challenges within the WEF nexus.
  • In the second research component, the focus is on creating high-resolution local and global SWAT+ water quality models, conducting trend detection, climate attribution analysis, and simulating climate and land use change scenarios to project future nutrient trends. Additionally, this component aims to simulate the impacts of global changes on water quality, spanning from local to global scales. 
  • In the third research component, the primary focus centers on examining water, sediment, carbon, and nutrient fluxes within the Yala River Basin catchment, a tropical river basin. This multifaceted research endeavor combines the acquisition of new data, compilation of existing data (including field and remote sensing data), and modeling efforts. The overarching goal of this research is to quantify and gain insights into the dynamics of water, sediment, carbon, and nutrient fluxes in connection with land use and changes in land use patterns.

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.

The AXA Chair on Water Quality and Global Change aims to contribute to this fragile ecosystem with two main research components:

  • In the pursuit of supporting informed and effective decision-making via the acquisition of water quality data, the first research component delves into the evaluation of global water quality products obtained through remote sensing. This research highlights the pivotal role of advanced technology in addressing water quality challenges. By appraising the strengths and limitations of remote sensing techniques, our study strives to lay the groundwork for the incorporation of advanced technologies into the water management strategies of Lake Nicaragua. In this endeavor, it establishes a precedent that can be emulated by other regions grappling with analogous water quality concerns, thus making a valuable contribution to the conservation and sustainable utilization of freshwater resources in the Global South.
  • The second research component of our project focuses on actively involving indigenous communities in water quality data acquisition, effectively closing the existing data gap through a citizen science initiative. Simultaneously, we're exploring the significant impact of this participation on decision-making processes. By harnessing the unique perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous communities, we not only enhance data accuracy but also honor their profound connection to their ancestral lands. This collaboration not only reduces the data gap but also fosters more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and effective environmental decision-making, ultimately striving for greater equity and sustainability in resource management.

Lake Tana, located in the highlands of Ethiopia, is the largest lake in the country and holds a special place in both natural and cultural heritage. This ancient lake is not only a source of livelihood for local communities, with its fertile waters supporting a thriving fishing industry, but it also plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation and hydropower generation.

Additionally, Lake Tana is known for its biodiversity, hosting numerous endemic species and serving as a vital stopover for migratory birds. However, this natural wonder faces several environmental threats, including pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities, deforestation, and invasive species. Climate change is also a significant concern, as it can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem and potentially impact the lake's water levels. Preserving the ecological integrity of Lake Tana is essential for the sustainable development of the region and the protection of its unique cultural and natural heritage.

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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.

The AXA Chai on Water Quality and Global Change aims to contribute to this fragile ecosystem with two main research components:

  • In the pursuit of supporting informed and effective decision-making via the acquisition of water quality data, the first research component delves into the evaluation of global water quality products obtained through remote sensing. This research highlights the pivotal role of advanced technology in addressing water quality challenges. By appraising the strengths and limitations of remote sensing techniques, our study strives to lay the groundwork for the incorporation of advanced technologies into the water management strategies of Lake Nicaragua. In this endeavor, it establishes a precedent that can be emulated by other regions grappling with analogous water quality concerns, thus making a valuable contribution to the conservation and sustainable utilization of freshwater resources in the Global South.
  • The second research component of our project focuses on actively involving indigenous communities in water quality data acquisition, effectively closing the existing data gap through a citizen science initiative. Simultaneously, we're exploring the significant impact of this participation on decision-making processes. By harnessing the unique perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous communities, we not only enhance data accuracy but also honor their profound connection to their ancestral lands. This collaboration not only reduces the data gap but also fosters more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and effective environmental decision-making, ultimately striving for greater equity and sustainability in resource management.

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.

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