Research

overview

A particular challenge of research related to sustainable resources management is the close interrelation of technological, environmental, economic, social and political aspects. It has to address complex human-environmental systems at various spatial scales, which are situated in a highly dynamic world.

Both institutions and programs have lasting experience in interdisciplinary applied research regarding land and urban management, and the assessment of water, energy and other renewable resources, climate change adaptation, environmental toxicology and environmental risks.

ITT

The ITT is meeting this challenge with adequate methodological approaches like systems analysis and integrated modelling as well as interdisciplinary cooperation within worldwide partner networks. It emphasizes at all stages of research the incorporation of stakeholders from administration, private and public sector. Furthermore, it is concerned with the adequate dissemination of results.

The ITT research program is in-line with the major challenges identified by leading research and international cooperation agencies e.g. BMBF, BMZ, BMU, GIZ, EU, World Bank, and other more. It responds to international public debates on important real-life themes like: The Water, Food and Energy Nexus and the Rio + 20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, the International Decade for Action: Water for Life, or the Millennium Development Goals, to just mention a few. 

ITT‘s research and teaching is organized in seven chairs in an interdisciplinary environment working on three core research lines.

  • Environment and Resource Economics
  • Integrated Land and Water Resources Management
  • Regional Management
  • Resources Management and Environmental System Science
  • Water Supply and Sewage Technology
  • Renewable Energy Systems
Research Lines:
  • Coping with Climate Change Variability and Environmental Risks
  • Improving Resources Use Efficiency
  • Maintaining Ecosystem Functions and Services

The research strategy is based on integrating these different scales by linking top-down and bottom-up research and development approaches, enhancing the effectiveness and success probability of the proposed natural resource management interventions.

Further information about the research at ITT please visit ITT´s website at: www.tt.th-koeln.de/research/

PMPCA

PMPCA has a significant level of involvement with outside entities of different kinds: IES from universities and other research institutes at local, national and international level; municipal, state and federal governments; transformation and service enterprises; urban and rural communities, as well as civil or non-governmental organisations. Others are consultancies across the participation in committees of municipal or state governments, river basin and water authorities.

PMPCA has a clear orientation towards the analysis and resolution of regional environmental problems.

The thesis research projects give a sample of this: sustainable development in the high land plateau, middle zone and Huasteca, in the State of San Luis Potosi; in agricultural systems and urban zones; indigenous housing; exploitation and pollution of ground and surface aquifers; small industries; environmental history, sanitation and management systems in mining areas; characterization and management of the national parks (protected areas in natural ecosystems), environmental risk and the characterisation of polluted sites, among others.

The research of the PMPCA focuses on five core themes:

  • Prevention and Control
  • Environmental Assessment 
  • Renewable Natural Resources
  • Environmental Management   
  • Integrated Environmental Health      

Further information about the research at PMPCA please visit "Areas de investigación" at: http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/pmpca