701-0462-01L  The Science and Politics of International Water Management

SemesterSpring Semester 2015
LecturersB. Wehrli, T. Bernauer
Periodicityyearly recurring course
CourseDoes not take place this semester.
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractThis research seminar focuses on water management issues that extend beyond national boundaries, i.e. are international. In the spring semester of 2013 the seminar will concentrate on the Zambezi River Basin (ZRB), one of the largest international river basins in Africa and worldwide.
ObjectiveAcquire skills for analyzing challenges associated with integrated water resources management in an international setting.
ContentThe seminar will begin by providing background on global water resources, challenges associated with managing these resources, and environmental and socio-economic assessment of management strategies.
Students, acting as science-based consultants competing for the opportunity to serve as technical advisors to ZRB stakeholders, will then work in teams to develop integrated water management strategies for the ZRB. This work will address important management issues on which the ZRBs riparian countries are currently focusing, for example:
how to define water demand scenarios; how do model water allocation options, how and where to expand agriculture and irrigation; and selecting among proposed new dams to optimally meet growing hydropower demands while minimizing social and ecological impacts.
In mid-May 2013, each team will submit a 5-page report. On the final day of the seminar (~1 week later), teams will give short presentations explaining their proposed solutions (15 minutes + 10 minutes discussion).

Dates, times, and course structure:
Class meetings: initials meetings on four Friday afternoons (3-5pm each, 22 Feb., 1 March, 8 March, or 15 March); independent group work during ~6 weeks, with a mid-term meeting on 19 April, also 3-5pm); final meeting on 24 May, 3 - 6pm.
LiteratureThe participants will receive all teaching materials in electronic form once the seminar begins.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis research seminar takes place once a year, in the spring semester. Students successfully completing the seminar will obtain 4 ECTS credit points. The seminar is open to post-BSc/post-BA students, that is, those currently enrolled in an MSc, MA, or PhD program of ETH Zurich. Students from other universities, including exchange/guest students, should contact the faculty members teaching this seminar to obtain access.

For questions or to register: please contact Lauren Adams at Link