Dr. Robert Lütkemeier
Head of the Research Unit Water and Land Use, Head of the Junior Research Group regulate Go to Profile
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Research Unit
Water and Land Use
Water and land are crucial resources for food security, economic development, social stability and ecological integrity. These resources are closely interlinked as a nexus and influence each other.
Climate change, competing interests regarding the use of these resources, and demographic and economic developments are increasing the complexity of these interactions. They also intensify uncertainties around the availability and quality of water and land resources. This is a problematic situation because the established forms of management are geared towards continuity and are overburdened by dynamic change processes such as land degradation and water pollution or extreme events such as droughts and floods.
Our research focuses on two research strands:
Extremes and tipping points
Extreme events such as droughts and floods result from the interaction of hydrological processes and land-use decisions, intensified by climate change and human environmental changes. We investigate the causes of these events in the water-land nexus to understand future developments and risks as well as impacts on ecosystems and society. We also investigate tipping points that arise from extreme events and gradual changes, and we deal with the question of how ecological disasters such as forest dieback and fish kills can be avoided.
Conflicts and governance
Competing interests between the population, agriculture and industry lead to conflicts that are intensified by extremes such as droughts. However, such conflicts also offer opportunities to develop sustainable resource governance. In our research, we examine the causes, dynamics and potentials of these conflicts, as well as the values and practices of the actors involved. The aim is to develop transformative governance strategies in the water-land nexus together with partners from the field.
Contact
Team
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Dr. habil. Katja Brinkmann
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Dr. habil. Katja Brinkmann
Head of the Social-Ecological Systems Hub
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Dr. Fanny Frick-Trzebitzky
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Dr. Fanny Frick-Trzebitzky
Head of the Practices and Infrastructures Hub, Head of the Junior Research Group regulate
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Apl. Prof. Dr. Diana Hummel
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Apl. Prof. Dr. Diana Hummel
Coordinator for Academic Teaching and Qualification of Young Scientists
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Dr. Johanna Kramm
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Dr. Johanna Kramm
Head of the Knowledge Processes and Transformations Hub
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Dr. Stefan Liehr
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Dr. Stefan Liehr
Member of the Executive Board, Head of the Social-Ecological Systems Hub
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Projects
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LIMO – Land Use and Integrated Modelling Land Use BiodiversityLIMO – Land Use and Integrated Modelling
Go to ProjectThe research project investigates the dynamics of land use changes and their effects on ecosystem services and biodiversity.
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gwTriade – Integrative monitoring of groundwater quality ![]()
Water Chemical RisksgwTriade – Integrative monitoring of groundwater quality
Go to ProjectThe aim of the gwTriade project is to develop an integrated assessment concept for groundwater ecosystems based on ecotoxicological characterization, chemical analysis and the recording of faunal diversity.
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Accompanying research for groundwater development at the site “Heiliger Born” ![]()
WaterAccompanying research for groundwater development at the site “Heiliger Born”
Go to ProjectThe research project accompanies the sustainable drinking water supply in Marburg through demand estimates, dialog formats and forecast scenarios in the course of integrating the “Heiliger Born” site.
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NamTip: Socio-ecological tipping points of desertification in Namibia in the context of climate change (2nd phase) ![]()
Land Use BiodiversityNamTip: Socio-ecological tipping points of desertification in Namibia in the context of climate change (2nd phase)
Go to ProjectWorking out an example for the conservation and restoration of savannah ecosystems worldwide, the research project investigates how climatic, ecological and social factors drive desertification in Namibia.
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regulate – Sustainable Groundwater Management in Europe ![Blick auf See und Wald aus Vogelperspektive]()
Water Land Use Climate Adaptationregulate – Sustainable Groundwater Management in Europe
Go to ProjectThe junior research group regulate investigates challenges in the management of groundwater in Europe against the background of acute drought, conflictuality and the complexity of institutional frameworks.
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Scientific support for the Frankfurt project “Smart Water Management” ![]()
WaterScientific support for the Frankfurt project “Smart Water Management”
Go to ProjectThe task of the project is to provide scientific and communicative support for the digitalization of water management in the city of Frankfurt.
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Application platform for an automated forecasting of the daily water demand in Hamburg ![]()
WaterApplication platform for an automated forecasting of the daily water demand in Hamburg
Go to ProjectTo optimize water management, the project is developing a forecasting platform for Hamburg's daily water demand.
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Master Plan “Future-proof Drinking Water Supply in Saarland 2040” ![]()
WaterMaster Plan “Future-proof Drinking Water Supply in Saarland 2040”
Go to ProjectThe project develops a basis for decision-making for water supply companies, authorities and municipalities to ensure a long-term and sustainable water supply.
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AQUA-Hub India – Water Innovation Hubs and Smart Water Monitoring ![]()
WaterAQUA-Hub India – Water Innovation Hubs and Smart Water Monitoring
Go to ProjectThe AQUA-Hub project supports the establishment of Water Innovation Hubs in India, promotes technology transfer for water quality monitoring and strengthens SDG goals through pilot projects.
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The current and future state of our water resources ![]()
WaterThe current and future state of our water resources
Go to ProjectThe project analyzes the state of scientific knowledge on global, European and German water resources in order to better predict their future changes.
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CapTain Rain – Capture and retain heavy rainfalls in Jordan ![]()
WaterCapTain Rain – Capture and retain heavy rainfalls in Jordan
Go to ProjectCapTain Rain develops climate services for forecasting and assessing heavy rainfall events. It also identifies measures to adapt to climate change and mitigate disaster damage.
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FlutNetz – Improving access to medical emergency care during flood disasters in Bangladesh ![]()
Climate Adaptation TransformationFlutNetz – Improving access to medical emergency care during flood disasters in Bangladesh
Go to ProjectFlutNetz aims to improve local knowledge for emergency response to flood disasters and focuses on gender-sensitive vulnerabilities.
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NamTip: Understanding and Managing Desertification Tipping Points – A Namibian Perspective ![]()
Biodiversity Land UseNamTip: Understanding and Managing Desertification Tipping Points – A Namibian Perspective
Go to ProjectThe NamTip project investigates desertification tipping points in Namibia's savannahs, analyzes social and ecological factors and develops sustainable pasture management strategies.
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ORYCS – Wildlife-based management strategies in Namibia Land Use BiodiversityORYCS – Wildlife-based management strategies in Namibia
Go to ProjectORYCS investigates the suitability of wildlife management strategies as a climate-friendly land use option. Together with stakeholders, it develops conflict-regulating approaches.
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MORE STEP – Mobility at Risk: Sustaining the Mongolian Steppe Ecosystem (Phase I) ![]()
Biodiversity Land Use Climate AdaptationMORE STEP – Mobility at Risk: Sustaining the Mongolian Steppe Ecosystem (Phase I)
Go to ProjectThe MORE STEP research project investigates processes of change in the ecosystem of the Mongolian steppe and their socio-economic and ecological causes and consequences. The mobility of wild and domesticated herd animals plays a central role here.
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Water demand forecast 2050 (base year 2020) for Hamburg WaterWater demand forecast 2050 (base year 2020) for Hamburg
Go to ProjectFor sustainable planning, ISOE is updating Hamburg's water demand forecast for 2020-2050, taking into account climate change, COVID-19 effects and innovations in water-saving technologies.
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Scientific accompanying of the 2021 survey on water consumption in Hamburg WaterScientific accompanying of the 2021 survey on water consumption in Hamburg
Go to ProjectThe study analyzes the dynamics of change in household water consumption in Hamburg to support forecasts and sustainable strategies.
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Daily drinking water demand – forecast model for Hamburg WaterDaily drinking water demand – forecast model for Hamburg
Go to ProjectOn behalf of HAMBURG WASSER, the project team is developing a forecasting model to estimate the daily drinking water demand in the company's supply area.
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Water demand forecast 2050 (base year 2019) for the WBV Harburg WaterWater demand forecast 2050 (base year 2019) for the WBV Harburg
Go to ProjectIn its water demand forecast, ISOE combines data from influencing factors such as demographics and climate.
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Weschnitz Dialog: Communication and participation in the management of restoration measures along the river Weschnitz WaterWeschnitz Dialog: Communication and participation in the management of restoration measures along the river Weschnitz
Go to ProjectThe project is developing dialog and communication formats, such as web-based information and participation platforms, in order to constructively regulate conflicts and the context of renaturation.
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PlastX – Plastic waste in seas and oceans Water Chemical RisksPlastX – Plastic waste in seas and oceans
Go to ProjectThe sub-project of the PlastX junior research group investigates the implementation process of management strategies to protect the seas and oceans.
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EPoNa – Water Reuse in Northern Namibia WaterEPoNa – Water Reuse in Northern Namibia
Go to ProjectThe aim of the project is to improve the performance of wastewater pond facilities. To this end, ISOE is investigating aspects of governance and developing management structures and financial controlling procedures.
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Proxies and Scenarios for the Development of Water Demand WaterProxies and Scenarios for the Development of Water Demand
Go to ProjectThe project analyzes water withdrawals and return flows in German river basins in order to better assess the impact of human activities on the water balance.
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Water demand forecast 2050 (base year 2017) for Hamburg WaterWater demand forecast 2050 (base year 2017) for Hamburg
Go to ProjectIn its water demand forecast, ISOE combines data from influencing factors such as demographics and climate.
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Smart Water Future India: Intelligent Water Management for India’s Cities WaterSmart Water Future India: Intelligent Water Management for India’s Cities
Go to ProjectA concept for sustainable water management in an intelligently networked city is to be developed using the example of the southern Indian city of Coimbatore.
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Guiding principle IWRM – Water resources management for the metropolitan region of Rhine-Main WaterGuiding principle IWRM – Water resources management for the metropolitan region of Rhine-Main
Go to ProjectThe project is developing a model for sustainable water resource management in the Rhine-Main region, involving all relevant stakeholders.
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NamTip: Desertification in drylands – a Namibian tipping point (pre-phase) ![]()
Land Use BiodiversityNamTip: Desertification in drylands – a Namibian tipping point (pre-phase)
Go to ProjectThe NamTip project investigates desertification tipping points in Namibia's savannahs, analyzes social and ecological factors and develops sustainable pasture management strategies.
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NiddaMan – Sustainable Water Resources Management in the Nidda Catchment Area WaterNiddaMan – Sustainable Water Resources Management in the Nidda Catchment Area
The aim of the joint project is the development of strategies for a sustainable management of the water resources in the Nidda catchment area. These strategies are to serve as a planning instrument for practical water management.Go to Project -
SASSCAL – Water-related vulnerabilities and risk in Southern Africa Water Land UseSASSCAL – Water-related vulnerabilities and risk in Southern Africa
The project team is analysing to what extent water-related vulnerabilities and risks for the population and ecosystems are developing within the context of global change and how these might conceivably be reduced.Go to Project -
OPTIMASS – Sustainable Management of Savanna Ecosystems Land Use BiodiversityOPTIMASS – Sustainable Management of Savanna Ecosystems
Go to ProjectOPTIMASS investigates which adapted forms of water management enable important ecosystem services to be secured in the long term.
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Classification of consumption points in the supply area of HAMBURG WASSER WaterClassification of consumption points in the supply area of HAMBURG WASSER
Go to ProjectThe project team is developing a new classification of consumption point types for HAMBURG WASSER for a more detailed recording of the customer base.
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CuveWaters – Sustainable Water Management in Namibia WaterCuveWaters – Sustainable Water Management in Namibia
The aim of CuveWaters is to support and improve Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the northern Namibian Cuvelai-Etosha Basin. ISOE is supervising and co-ordinating this international joint project.Go to Project -
Evaluation of the International Water Stewardship Program (IWaSP) WaterEvaluation of the International Water Stewardship Program (IWaSP)
Go to ProjectISOE evaluates water partnerships for climate adaptation, examines joint solutions and develops a concept for transferability to other countries.
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Water demand forecast 2045 (base year 2011) for Hamburg WaterWater demand forecast 2045 (base year 2011) for Hamburg
On behalf of the public utility HAMBURG WASSER, the project team determined how much water the city of Hamburg will need during the coming 30 years.Go to Project -
IWRM in Isfahan – Sustainable Water Management in Iran WaterIWRM in Isfahan – Sustainable Water Management in Iran
The team of the German-Iranian IWRM project in Isfahan is developing a concept for integrated water resource management (IWRM) in the region around the Zayandeh river.Go to Project -
New perspectives for the ecological restoration of streams and rivers WaterNew perspectives for the ecological restoration of streams and rivers
Go to ProjectThe project investigates the social and cultural values of water bodies in order to better integrate social perspectives into future renaturation projects.
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SASSCAL – Research Infrastructure in Africa Water Land UseSASSCAL – Research Infrastructure in Africa
In July 2010 the launch of the new BMBF initiative "Climate change and adaptive land management in Africa" took place. The goal is to build up a long-term research infrastructure in Africa via regional competence centres.Go to Project -
start2 – Management Strategies for Hormonally Active Agrochemicals Water Chemical Risksstart2 – Management Strategies for Hormonally Active Agrochemicals
The team of the start2 project set out to develop systemic action strategies to strengthen risk prevention in the context of water pollution control.Go to Project -
INTAFERE – Integrated Analysis of Organic Impurities in Rivers Water Chemical RisksINTAFERE – Integrated Analysis of Organic Impurities in Rivers
In the INTAFERE project, the partners involved laid the foundations for sustainable water quality management.Go to Project -
Water demand forecast 2030 (base year 2005) for Hamburg WaterWater demand forecast 2030 (base year 2005) for Hamburg
In the Wasserbedarfsprognose 2030 project ('Water Demand Forecasting 2030'), ISOE and COOPERATIVE Darmstadt drew up a forecast for water demand in the area supplied by the Hamburg Waterworks (HWW).Go to Project -
Efficient Use of the Hessian Groundwater Fee WaterEfficient Use of the Hessian Groundwater Fee
The project tracked the deployment of funds from the Hessian groundwater fee in Hessian communities, evaluating it for efficiency. The interdisciplinary research group was able to ascertain overall success for the initiative within the funding criteria.Go to Project -
Regional Sustainability in Water and Land Use WaterRegional Sustainability in Water and Land Use
Regional sustainability as a research topic raises many questions regarding methodology and subject matter. In this proprietary project, ISOE developed a concept for regional sustainability around the example of water.Go to Project
