Publications
Watermills as Cultural-Natural Ecosystems: Tangible and Intangible Heritage for Sustainable Water and Energy Management in a Changing Climate
Historic watermills, such as those found at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinderdijk-Elshout, are not just remnants of past technologies but dynamic socio-ecological systems that integrate hydrology, craftsmanship, landscape processes, and community knowledge. These mills play crucial ecological roles by regulating water flow, managing sediment, supporting biodiversity, and generating low-impact energy, serving as models for modern nature-based solutions. Recent research demonstrates that active or revived milling practices enhance landscape resilience, while abandoned mills deteriorate rapidly under climate stress, exacerbating environmental risks. This study highlights the potential of watermills to contribute to sustainable water and energy management in a changing climate, bridging tangible and intangible heritage for long-term ecological and social benefits.
Water Management for Sustainable Development of World Heritage Properties
Water management is critical for the sustainable preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, yet it remains underaddressed in current management plans despite growing water-related threats such as floods and droughts. This study highlights that only 10% of World Heritage properties explicitly integrate water management into their conservation strategies, leaving them vulnerable to climate-induced risks. Using three German case studies—including the Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout—the research demonstrates how water-related challenges can undermine the Outstanding Universal Value of sites. It advocates for improved data sharing and interdisciplinary collaboration between heritage properties and their surroundings to mitigate these threats effectively.
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