Public Thesis Defense of Sandratra Zonirina (Zo) RAMAHAIMANDIMBY

Public thesis defense of Sandratra Zonirina (Zo) RAMAHAIMANDIMBY

"Fonctionnement et altérations hydrologiques du bassin d’Ankavia (Madagascar) dans une perspective de gestion intégrée des ressources en eau."

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Abstract

Humid tropical environments, particularly the SAVA region in northeastern Madagascar, face important challenges in water resource management, exacerbated by land-use changes and climate modifications. Effective operationalization of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is imperative to develop sustainable approaches that reconcile current needs with resource preservation for future generations. However, its effective implementation is hindered by a lack of reliable hydrometeorological data and insufficient understanding of local hydrological processes. This study focuses on the Ankavia watershed, representative of the region, to elucidate its hydrological functioning and analyze its alterations in the face of environmental changes. A multiscale and interdisciplinary methodological approach was adopted, integrating analyses at different spatial and temporal scales, from micro-basin to large watershed, and covering periods ranging from isolated rainfall events to medium-term (2050) and long-term (2100) climate trends. The study identifies IMERG satellite data as a reliable alternative to ground rain gauges, while emphasizing the importance of continuing ground measurements. It reveals that land cover, particularly forest cover, as well as pedological and geological characteristics, strongly influence water flows. Future hydrological alterations are shown to be driven mostly by climate change rather than land uses changes. These results can serve as a solid foundation for IWRM adapted to the SAVA region and similar areas, addressing the growing challenges of environmental and climate changes.

Jury Members

Prof. Emmanuel HANERT (UCLouvain - Chairman)

Prof. Charles L. BIELDERS (UCLouvain - Supervisor)

Dr. Alain RANDRIAMAHERISOA (Université d’Antananarivo, Madagascar - Co-supervisor)

Prof. Marnik VANCLOOSTER (UCLouvain - Reader)

Prof. François JONARD (Université de Liège - Reader)

Prof. Sandra Soarez FRAZAO (UCLouvain  - Reader)

Dr. Quentin GOOR (Chargé de cours UCLouvain - Reader)