Water plays a central role in ecosystem and human life, so we need an integrated approach to understand and address the complexity of water issues around the world. Humans use water in many ways. Fresh water is essential for drinking, hygiene, agriculture, and many industrial processes, including energy production. Rivers and oceans support fisheries that millions of people rely on for food and income. They also provide avenues for the flow of goods, people, and ideas. Water issues are also central problems for international diplomacy in arenas ranging from sustainable development and food security to management of global fisheries and territorial sovereignty.
CIERP’s Water and Oceans Program conducts research related to both freshwater and ocean issues and management. We study ways to improve water quality in developing countries and provide safe, affordable water supplies to poor regions of the world. We are also examining the relationship between water and energy production, and ways to improve protections for fisheries and marine biodiversity.
For a list of Center publications, please see our publications page.
Strategic Collaborations:
Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation