IWC Africa, Water Research Node

Monash South Africa has positioned itself to do innovative research on issues of concern in contemporary Africa.  One of the most critical research challenges is located in the area of water research.  As such Monash University and its Institute of Sustainable Studies have extended their research focus with the establishment of an IWC-Africa Water Research Node. The IWC-Africa Water Research Node is a collaborative partnership with the IWC (headquartered in Brisbane, Australia)

Water affects every activity of society and level of life on earth. The services that we obtain from freshwater ecosystems are integrally linked to sustained human wellbeing. Yet this valuable resource is in crisis with its exploitation exceeding natural regenerative capacities. Increasing evidence suggests that freshwater ecosystems are the most threatened in the world, more so than marine and terrestrial ecosystems. One result of the declining state of freshwater ecosystems is that desired development trajectories, such as articulated in the Millennium Development Goals, will be compromised. This situation gives special significance and urgency to achieving sustainable development and effective governance of water resources, especially in water-constrained economies.

Through the establishment of the IWC-Africa Water Research Node, IWC and Monash wish to address some of the key water resource management challenges of contemporary Africa through:

• Research, by promoting and facilitating novel, interdisciplinary and context-oriented research;
• Education, by supervising higher degrees by research and inspiring students about a career in water research;
• Community engagement, by co-creating solutions with relevant public and private sector organisations and actively promoting more sustainable pathways.

Master of Philosophy in Integrated Water Management

Applications close 30 September 2011

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Integrated Water Management (IWM) is an offering of Monash South Africa in collaboration with the International Water Centre and four partner Universities in Australia. It aims to equip students to play leadership roles in the critical interface between science and management of water resources. For more information go to the Master of Philosophy website: http://www.monash.ac.za/research/water-research-node/masters/