Janardhana Raju , Anurag Chaudhary , Sadaf Nazneen , Shubhra Singh ,
Management of Natural Resources in a Changing Environment
Management of Natural Resources in a Changing Environment
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Wolfgang Gossel Martin Luther University Halle , Germany v
Message from Alexander vo n Humboldt
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, established in 1953, has dedicated 60 years to fostering scientific curiosity by sponsoring top-level scientists and scholars from around the globe to collaborate with German colleagues With a reputation for excellence, the Foundation has supported over 26,000 researchers from more than 130 countries, including 49 Nobel Prize winners, focusing solely on scientific merit without quotas for origin or research fields Among its achievements, the Foundation has awarded over 5,100 fellowships to outstanding scientists from Asia, including 1,781 from India, where approximately 1,200 Humboldt Alumni now reside This vibrant network has created 16 active Alumni Associations across India, with members actively participating in both national and international Alumni activities.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation embodies the principle that “once a Humboldtian, always a Humboldtian,” emphasizing its commitment to lifelong partnerships through alumni sponsorship programs The foundation actively supports its alumni in initiating cross-disciplinary and international collaborations, leading many to benefit from its extensive sponsorship opportunities A notable event, the Humboldt Kolleg titled “Management of Water, Energy and Bio-resources in Changing Climate Regime,” was held in Delhi in February 2013, hosted by Humboldt Alumnus Professor Dr Nandimandalam Janardhana Raju from Jawaharlal Nehru University This conference addressed critical developmental issues in Asia and served as a platform for scientific exchange and networking among 231 researchers, including both young and experienced professionals from diverse fields.
The event featured a diverse group of participants, including 35 Humboldt Alumni, 135 emerging academics, seven scholars from Germany, and 54 seasoned researchers Throughout the event, a total of 135 presentations were delivered, alongside a scientific poster session where an additional 63 scholars showcased their research interests.
Addressing climate change and its effects on natural resources and the environment is one of the greatest challenges of our time Experts globally emphasize the urgent need for action to combat the negative environmental, fiscal, social, and cultural impacts of climate change As highlighted during the Humboldt Kolleg, vulnerable and conflict-prone societies are particularly at risk, as dwindling resources like groundwater and unequal distribution may intensify competition and lead to potential violence.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation expresses gratitude to Professor Dr Janardhana Raju and the organizing committee at Jawaharlal Nehru University for their commitment to hosting the Humboldt Kolleg, with its outcomes documented in the conference proceedings The Foundation appreciates its Humboldtians for their support in promoting cross-border academic collaboration and nurturing the next generation of exceptional international researchers Wishing all participants of the Humboldt Kolleg and the authors of the conference volume success in their future endeavors.
Dpt Secretary General Dr Thomas Hesse
Message from Alexander von Humboldt Foundation vii
The volume "Management of Natural Resources in a Changing Environment" features papers from the International Alexander von Humboldt Kolleg, held at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India, on February 8-9.
In 2013, Dr N Janardhana Raju convened a significant meeting at the School of Environmental Sciences, gathering around 200 scientists from India and various countries, including Germany, the USA, and Brazil This edited volume highlights key aspects of natural resource management in a changing environment, organized into three sections: (i) Management of Water Resources: Challenges for Sustainability; (ii) Bio-remediation for Resource Enrichment; and (iii) Environmental Pollution: Issues and Strategies The diverse themes reflect a wide range of multidisciplinary scientific activities, with contributions from both eminent scholars and emerging scientists, providing valuable data and methods aimed at enhancing natural resource management The field of environmental sciences necessitates a comprehensive understanding that transcends individual disciplines, addressing multiple research objectives Knowledge of geosciences is vital for sustainable development and effective natural resource management The pressing issue of water shortages, exacerbated by population growth, waste, and pollution, poses significant threats to environmental, socio-cultural, political, and economic stability, while water contamination remains a critical challenge impacting ecosystems, agriculture, and human health.
This book emphasizes the critical importance of managing water resources, enhancing biomass productivity, and addressing environmental pollution in governmental policies It explores future water shortages and their impact on human health and the environment, alongside potential remediation methods Aimed at individuals interested in natural resource management, it contributes significantly to understanding the sustainable use of water, bio-resources, and pollution control The book is a valuable resource for those seeking scientific knowledge and practical experience to protect natural resources from overexploitation and environmental degradation.
I commend all contributors of this book for their efforts in promoting sustainable development and natural resource management Additionally, I applaud the editorial team for their hard work in producing this valuable edited volume I believe this book will serve as a vital scientific resource for years to come, facilitating collaboration among academics, researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers in the documentation and dissemination of knowledge related to natural resource management.
Hydro- & Environmental Geology Peter Wycisk Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg ,
Natural resource management involves understanding the scientific and technical aspects of water, energy, and bio-resources, which are crucial for sustaining life on Earth The demand for these resources has surged post-war, leading to unsustainable levels and contributing to the degradation of land, water, forests, biodiversity, livestock, and air This degradation is a primary factor in the global agrarian crisis, exacerbated by diminishing water resources and their unequal distribution, potentially leading to competition and conflict As populations seek energy-efficient systems to conserve water and bio-resources, human activities continue to undermine resource management capacities This edited volume presents multidisciplinary perspectives from distinguished scientists and academicians, providing guidelines for effective natural resource management in a changing climate The book is a product of the International Humboldt Kolleg (IHK2013) held at Jawaharlal Nehru University, focusing on the management of water, energy, and bio-resources amidst emerging environmental challenges.
This volume consists of 22 chapters organized into three key sections: (i) Management of Water Resources: Challenges for Sustainability; (ii) Bio-remediation for Resource Enrichment; and (iii) Environmental Pollution: Issues and Strategies It presents case studies that address contemporary environmental challenges and management strategies, offering insights into the interrelated issues of natural resource management The chapters emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change, land use, and industrialization, highlighting the necessity for managers worldwide to commit to sustainable practices for effective resource management.