Course: Application of Public Domain Models for Water, Food and Climate Studies

Overview

Simulation models for water-food-climate are used frequently to support policy making and operational water management. Currently a wide range of models is available in the public domain and has been applied in various parts of the world. With the advent of global datasets and remote sensing techniques these models can be applied easily even in data scarce areas. Moreover, these public domain models can be used free of charge, and are often similar or even more advanced compared to commercial ones.

During this training course an overview of state of the art modeling techniques and hands-on training for specific models will be provided. The course will be organized by FutureWater and venue is Wageningen, Netherlands. Training will be provided by FutureWater staff that has multiple years of professional modeling experiences world-wide.

Who Should Attend

This course is geared towards water professionals working in developed and developing countries. The course will cover the essentials of hydrology, crop growth and climate change modeling concepts to support decision making and hands-on exercises to become familiar with the models. The lectures and exercises do not require extensive modeling background. More experienced professionals will have the opportunity to work with their own data during the exercises.

Goals

Those who complete the course will be able to:

• Make sound decisions which model should be selected to answer specific questions.
• Better understanding of water-food-climate processes and linkages.
• Ability to apply a physical based water assessment tool.
• Ability to apply a water allocation decision support tool.
• Ability to apply a detailed soil-water-crop model.
• Understand strength and weaknesses of various modeling approaches.
• Obtain a clear overview of readily available data sources.

Prerequisites

It is expected that participants should have a general water resources background and are familiar with common computer software. Working knowledge of English is essential.

Models Used in Course

All modeling tools and data used during the course are in the public domain and are freely available. Participant will receive a complete set of books and DVDs including full working versions of all models. Three types of specific models will be taught during the course: a physically based basin scale water-soil-crop model, a water allocation framework and a detailed crop-growth model.

Organization

Training course will be organized by FutureWater. FutureWater is a research and training organization based in Wageningen, Netherlands. FutureWater has been working with various public domain models to evaluate the impact of climate change on water resources and food, and has successfully evaluated adaptation strategies using those models. FutureWater has broad experiences with training water professionals in the use of models.

Majority of lessons will be provided by Dr. Peter Droogers and Dr. Walter Immerzeel. Dr. Droogers has almost 20 years of professional experiences in applying and developing models in water-food-climate assessments all over the world. Dr. Immerzeel is expert on spatial modeling of water resources with a strong emphasis on climate change impact assessment. Details of Dr. Droogers and Dr. Immerzeel can be found at the FutureWater website (www.futurewater.nl).

Venue and Lodging

The course will be organized in Wageningen, Netherlands, from 31-May-2010 to 4-Jun-2010. Wageningen is best known for its University and various research centers, which are famous for environmental sciences and its health and food sciences. The student atmosphere is noticeable in this small city with student societies, pubs and cultural events everywhere. Surrounding of Wageningen is very attractive including the river Rhine and the biggest forest area of the country. The weather during the training period is generally favorable with temperature around 20°C and an occasional shower.

Course Fee and Registration

Course fee is € 3250 including course material, full board and lodging (5 days, 6 nights).

Registration and further information:

Peter Droogers, FutureWater
Costerweg 1G
6702 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands
Web: http://www.futurewater.nl
Email: p.droogers@futurewater.nl
Tel: +31 317 460050
Mob : +31 6 48794729

Special offer: if registration and payment will be received before 31-Mar-2009 participant will receive a free mini laptop.