Hamid Balali – Water Management – Best Sustainable Development Project Award

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Hamid Balali - Water Management - Best Sustainable Development Project Award

New Mexico State University - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🎓 ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Hamid Balali holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics with a focus on Policies and Development from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. His doctoral research involved modeling the impacts of pricing and agricultural policies on groundwater resource conservation and balance, utilizing GAMS. He also completed a Sabbatical at Bologna University, where he explored linear and nonlinear dynamic programming of groundwater. Balali earned his MSc in Natural Resources and Environmental Economics from Tarbiat Modares University, with research on labor economics and agricultural investment impacts.

📝 RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS

Balali’s research spans a range of topics in water economics, including the spatial analysis of water stress, groundwater market development, and resilience of water-community systems against climate change. His work integrates system dynamics and socio-ecological frameworks to address complex environmental and economic challenges. Notable publications include studies on groundwater sustainability, resilience assessment, and the impacts of economic sanctions on energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

🌍 SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH PAPERS

His published work includes influential papers such as “Economic Sanctions, Energy Consumption, and CO2 Emissions: A System Dynamics Model,” and “Fallowing Strategy and Its Impact on Surface Water and Groundwater Withdrawal.” These studies are crucial in understanding the intersection of environmental policy, economic sanctions, and resource management.

📚 CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTIONS

Balali has actively participated in conferences, presenting papers on topics such as groundwater sustainability and socio-ecological systems. His contributions to conferences underscore his commitment to advancing knowledge in water resource management and environmental economics.

🔬 ONGOING RESEARCH PROJECTS

Balali’s ongoing research projects include exploring resilience concepts for social-ecological systems and developing frameworks for groundwater governance. These projects reflect his dedication to addressing the evolving challenges in water resource management and environmental sustainability.

🌐 INTERNATIONAL IMPACT

His research has had a significant international impact, with studies submitted and published in renowned journals such as "Groundwater for Sustainable Development" and "Water." Balali’s work is instrumental in shaping global discussions on water resource management and agricultural economics.

🏆 PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

Balali’s expertise and contributions have been recognized in the field of agricultural economics and water resources. His research has received acclaim for its innovative approach and practical implications in managing groundwater resources and addressing environmental challenges.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Importance of good groundwater governance in economic development: The case of western Iran
Authors: T.S. Foroushani, H. Balali, R. Movahedi, I.J. Stamenkovska, H. Azadi
Year: 2023
Journal: Groundwater for Sustainable Development

The impact of water-pricing policies on water productivity: Evidence of agriculture sector in Iran
Authors: O. Zamani, H. Azadi, S.A. Mortazavi, S.M. Moghaddam, L. Jurik
Year: 2021
Journal: Agricultural Water Management

Applying a system dynamics approach for modeling groundwater dynamics to depletion under different economical and climate change scenarios
Authors: H. Balali, D. Viaggi
Year: 2015
Journal: Water (Switzerland)

Groundwater balance and conservation under different water pricing and agricultural policy scenarios: A case study of the Hamadan-Bahar plain
Authors: H. Balali, S. Khalilian, D. Viaggi, F. Bartolini, M. Ahmadian
Year: 2011
Journal: Ecological Economics

Christopher Mulanda Aura – Water resources sustainability – Excellence in Research

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Christopher Mulanda Aura - Water resources sustainability - Excellence in Research

KENYA MARINE AND FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE - Kenya

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🎓 ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Christopher Mulanda Aura holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Bio-resource and Environmental Science from Hokkaido University, Japan. His doctoral research focused on the integrated habitat suitability model for managing Japanese scallop aquaculture, incorporating ecological and socio-economic modeling, GIS, remote sensing, climate change projections, and marine sciences. He completed his undergraduate studies with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from Moi University, Kenya.

🌐 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS

Aura has pursued various professional development courses, enhancing his skills in computer programming, project management, productivity improvement, and data security. These certifications, obtained from institutions such as Asset Africa Institute and Kenya School of Government, reflect his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

🏆 MAJOR AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Aura has received numerous prestigious awards, including being recognized as the Top Cited Author in Fisheries Management and Ecology for 2022-2023. His keynote address at the FAR4ViBE Conference and his accolades for top-cited and downloaded papers underscore his significant contributions to the field.

📚 SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS

His research includes influential studies such as the application of phytoplankton community structure for assessing pollution in lake basins. His work on small water bodies as management tools for fisheries has been widely cited and has contributed significantly to the understanding of aquatic resource management.

🌍 INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

Aura's contributions have earned him international recognition, including a Champion Certificate from the World Summit on the Information Society for the Electronic Fish Market Information System. His global impact is further highlighted by his top-cited status and various awards from international conferences and organizations.

🏅 DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE

Christopher Mulanda Aura has been honored with the Overall Best and Top Scientist/Performer titles at KMFRI for multiple consecutive years. These awards reflect his outstanding performance and leadership in the field of bio-resource and environmental science.

🌱 COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

Throughout his career, Aura has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. His research and professional activities are driven by a deep dedication to improving aquatic ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Considerations for environmental biogeochemistry and food security for aquaculture around Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: A.L. Marriott, O.F. Osano, T.J. Coffey, M.J. Watts, C.M. Aura
Year: 2023
Journal: Environmental Geochemistry and Health

Response of fish stocks in Lake Victoria to enforcement of the ban on illegal fishing: Are there lessons for management?
Authors: C.S. Nyamweya, V. Natugonza, B.B. Kashindye, R. Proud, A.S. Brierley
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Great Lakes Research

Challenges to the lake fisheries, and factors affecting the effectiveness of a co-management regime in African Great Lakes: A case study of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: C.O. Odoli, H. Owiti, J. Mwamburi, C. Nyamweya, C. Aura
Year: 2023
Journal: Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management

Emerging frontiers for blue growth in African Great Lakes: The potential for recreational fishing industry in Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: H. Nyaboke, J. Nyaundi, M. Owili, V. Sudoi, D. Liti
Year: 2023
Journal: Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management

David Gwapedza – Water Resources Management – Best Researcher Award

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David Gwapedza - Water Resources Management - Best Researcher Award

Institute for Water Research - South Africa

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

DAVID GWAPEDZA, Ph.D.

David Gwapedza is a renowned expert in hydrological modeling, sediment transport modeling, and natural resource management, with extensive experience in African countries. He has demonstrated strong capabilities in providing intellectual leadership in collaborative research processes involving multiple partners in UKRI and WRC projects. David's strategic thinking allows him to conceptualize complex issues, write grant proposals, and lead impactful research projects.

EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

David earned his Ph.D. in Hydrology from Rhodes University, South Africa, where he developed and evaluated the sediment yield model (WQSED) for catchment management in African regions. His research concentrated on hydrological modeling, erosion and sediment modeling, and catchment management. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Hydrology from Rhodes University and a BSS (Honours) degree in Geography and Population Studies from Lupane State University in Zimbabwe.

RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Currently, David is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Rhodes University, where he drafts manuscripts, presents findings at international conferences, and conducts independent research. He is also a Project Leader and Principal Researcher at the Water Research Commission, where he conceptualizes projects, facilitates collaboration with research partners, and supervises students. His work involves applying hydrological models, leading stakeholder engagement initiatives, and writing scientific publications.

David has also served as a Research Scientist for the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), where he developed online courses, facilitated stakeholder engagement workshops, and provided hydrological modeling support for project partners. His experience includes a PhD exchange program at Technische Universität Braunschweig, where he worked on hydrological modeling using the PANTA RHEI Model.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PROJECT LEADERSHIP

David has a proven track record in stakeholder engagement and project leadership. He has supported stakeholder engagement for the UKRI-ARUA water project in Rwanda and Uganda, facilitated workshops with the Western Cape Government-LandCare, and collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund. His role as a Project Leader at the Water Research Commission involves supervising students, preparing budgets, and managing project implementation.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

David's excellence in research has been recognized through various awards and scholarships. Notably, he received the Rhodes University research scholarship and the Berkeley scholarship for the BGW workshop. He has also been awarded for the best poster at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, and received a scholarship from Santa Barbara University, California.

TEACHING AND MENTORING

David is committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of hydrologists. He supervises postgraduate students, lectures on hydrology courses, and develops tailored lectures and workshops. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of practical application and stakeholder engagement in water resource management.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

David's expertise extends to GIS and remote sensing. He has worked as a GIS Intern, where he monitored and evaluated water supply systems, mapped aquifers and water points, and provided GIS information to stakeholders. His technical skills in using GIS software to identify water sources and digitize maps have been instrumental in various research and consultancy projects.

Through his extensive research, leadership, and stakeholder engagement, David Gwapedza continues to make significant contributions to hydrological modeling, catchment management, and natural resource management in Africa. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also addresses critical water resource challenges in the region.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Modelling storm event-based sediment yield and assessing its heavy metal loading: case of Lake Victoria's Inner Murchison Bay catchment in Uganda 2024

Assessing soil erosion risk in a peri-urban catchment of the Lake Victoria basin 2023 (1)

Equity-based allocation criteria for water deficit periods: A case study in South Africa 2023 (2)

Regionalising MUSLE factors for application to a data-scarce catchment 2018 (19)

Prediction of sediment yield of the Inxu River catchment (South Africa) using the MUSLE 2021 (39)