Advanced Modelling for Complex Eco-Hydrological Systems
Nature-Based Solutions to Mitigate Hydrological Extremes
Knowledge Co-Production with Local Stakeholders
Uniting Global Expertise for Rural Resilience
Addressing climate-resilient transformation through Innovation.
Uniting Global Expertise for Rural Resilience
This collaborative project unites four global institutions with complementary strengths in water management, food production, and sustainable rural development under global change.
Together, we provide a robust interdisciplinary foundation for SDG-aligned research, teaching, and community engagement. By strengthening north-south and south-south academic links, the partnership builds capacity for sustainable rural transformation across India, Sri Lanka, and Germany.
3 Countries
United by SciencePartner Institutions & Core Strengths
Each institution brings specialized knowledge to address climate-resilient food and water systems.
IIT Roorkee, India
Expertise in water resources engineering, Himalayan community-based adaptation, and advanced hydrological modelling.
Kiel University, Germany
Internationally recognized for ecohydrology, Earth system modelling, sustainability science, and international capacity-building.
UoR Galle, Sri Lanka
Advances engineering solutions for hydrological management, nature-based solutions, and coastal vulnerability adaptation.
UoR Matara, Sri Lanka
Specialized in limnology, aquaculture, and livelihood diversification for smallholder and coastal fishing communities.
Core Research Pillars
Addressing climate-resilient transformation through five interconnected themes co-developed with local stakeholders.
Water Management
Managing hydrological variability and extremes across Himalayan, river-basin, and coastal systems.
Nature-Based Solutions
Leveraging ecosystems to mitigate risks and enhance services like erosion control and water quality.
Sustainable Food Systems
Innovating through rice–fish systems and hydroponics to improve income security and resilience.
Human Dimensions
Assessing social vulnerability, public health risks, and community-led adaptation strategies.
Governance & Policy
Translating scientific knowledge into local policy and fostering inclusive science-based governance.
Strategic Test Regions
Operating in three diverse regions to capture a spectrum of climate risks and validate integrated solutions.
Pauri Garhwal, India
Himalayan district: steep slopes, fragile geology, flash floods, landslides, and water scarcity.
Kirindi Oya Basin, Sri Lanka
Semi-arid river basin: monsoonal floods, droughts, and reservoir management conflicts.
Coastal Communities, Sri Lanka
Low-lying, exposed systems: coastal flooding, storm surges, sea-level rise, and livelihood disruption.
Cross-Regional Significance
These regions span Himalayan, river-basin, and coastal environments, enabling cross-comparative analysis and the transferability of methods for scalable, region-specific solutions.
Education & Capacity Building
Empowering future leaders and institutionalizing cooperation for sustainable rural transformation.
Joint Teaching Modules
A flexible, SDG-oriented curriculum with four jointly designed modules. These will be embedded into existing programmes, serving as a foundation for a future SDG-focused Master’s track. All materials are co-produced and shared.
- Practical relevance via guest lectures and case studies.
- Structured internship opportunities with regional stakeholders.
- Mutual recognition of course credits through harmonized structures.
Institutional Capacity Building
Institutionalizing internationalization structures for long-term cooperation. While IIT Roorkee and Kiel University have robust systems, foundational development is prioritized for Ruhuna University.
- Regular online coordination and staff exchanges.
- "Study Buddy" systems and streamlined visa services.
- Standardized credit-transfer frameworks for academic recognition.