PhD Research Project

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Developing hydro-economic models to support water resources management options in a poverty alleviation context

Institution:

Imperial College London

Dept/School/Faculty:

Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

PhD Supervisor:

Dr W Buytaert

Application Deadline:

No more applications being accepted

Funding Availability:

Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

PhD Research Project

The advent of cloud computing, high-speed computing networks, and advanced sensor technology gives rise to a new branch of environmental engineering, i.e. that of environmental web services. Such services enable the combination of different simulation models and tools to construct tailor-made decision support systems. In the sector of water resources management, the integration of hydrological and economic modelling in a web services platform offers a powerful method to predict and evaluate the impacts of a decision with respect to the benefits provided relative to the costs incurred. Historically, the focus of such modelling has been to determine the value of water as a function of demand, to introduce economic instruments for demand management, or to value investment options. However, the integration of economic models with hydrological and ecological models allows for a more holistic approach. Rather than treating them as separate processes, economy and hydro-ecological systems need to be integrated in an interdependent system of environmental services. This is particularly relevant when water resources stress is expected to increase, for instance because of climate change. Under such conditions, the ability to incorporate the future costs of water scarcity or changing hydrological dynamics is essential.
This becomes all the more pertinent in low-income areas, or areas with vulnerable population groups. In order to achieve this, the economic model must be integrated with hydrological, ecological, and climate prediction models to ensure that the complex interactions between these systems are accounted for. This study aims at the development of hydro-economic modelling tools and their evaluation in an ecosystem services and poverty alleviation context. Case studies in the tropical Andes will be analysed (Ecuador, Peru) and implemented with local partners (NGOs, governments). We also expect a strong interaction and collaboration with other activities at Imperial College London, especially the Grantham Institute for Climate Change, and the Ecosystem Services and Poverty Alleviation programme. The candidate should have a background in environmental engineering, environmental sciences or similar.

Funding Notes:

NERC or EPSRC funding is available to provide PhD scholarships for suitably qualified eligible UK residents and EU citizens. Rules for funding eligibility can be found on the NERC (http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/ ) and EPSRC (http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/Pages/default.aspx ) websites.

If you are interested in this project please send a covering email and CV to the relevant supervisor.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE 16 APRIL WILL BE CONSIDERED, THEREAFTER APPLICATIONS WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL A SUITABLE CANDIDATE IS FOUND.