Socio and Eco Environmental Risk Management, Department of Urban Management, Kyoto University

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Outcomes and Impacts

1. Scientific and Technical Outcomes

The Kantoush Laboratory has developed innovative tools and frameworks that advance river basin management and sediment dynamics research.

  • Development of the “Eco-Hydro-Geomorphological Approach for efficient river habitat restoration”: A novel framework for the assessment of sediment replenishment and downstream characteristics (KAKENHI Kiban-B project). Contributed to guidelines for sustainable sediment management in Japan’s dam-regulated rivers. The following results have been published in the thesis of LIN JIAQI, 2023.

 

 

  •  Smart Monitoring Technologies for River Morphodynamics: Implementation of advanced monitoring techniques for bathymetric surveys, flow fields using LSPIV (Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry) and AI-based flow visualization tools for flood and sediment monitoring, with field validation in Japanese rivers (Naka River, and Kizu River) and international sites (Vietnamese Mekong Delta, Cagayan River Basin, Vu Gia–Thu Bon, Wadi Samail in Oman).

  • Integration of Physical and Numerical Modelling: Coupled physical–numerical models (TELEMAC-2D, Delft3D, RRI, HEC-HMS, HEC-ResSim, RTC-Tools) for sediment dynamics and reservoir operations applied to dam sedimentation, replenishment, and flood-control design.

  •  AI-Based Early Warning and Risk Assessment: Machine-learning frameworks for rainfall–runoff prediction, flash-flood forecasting, and decision support in wadi and river systems.

 

2. Applied and Policy Outcomes

  • Contribution to Integrated Guidelines for the Management of Wadi Flash Floods in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Arid Zones: the ISFF Project.

Key components of integrated wadi flash flood management.

 

  • Contribution to Dam and River Management Guidelines: Supported local authority and local River Offices with sediment replenishment strategies downstream of major dams.
  • International support for flood risk reduction in Arid Regions: Wadi flash-flood research in Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan, and Egypt has informed national strategies for hazard zoning and early warning systems.

  • Knowledge Transfer to ASEAN Partners: Through the NEXUS–Philippines, APN projects in Vu Gia Thu Bon River Basin, Cagayan River Basin, and Mekong Delta projects, findings were utilized for basin-scale flood-risk mapping and sediment-management planning.

  • Capacity Building and Technical Training: Organized multiple training courses and field seminars sharing Japan’s expertise on integrated water and sediment management.

3. International Collaboration Outcomes

  • Japan–Philippines Collaboration (NEXUS-3SWaRM Project): Co-developed flood-risk maps and AI-based forecasting tools for the Cagayan River Basin, contributing to community resilience planning.

  • .Japan–Vietnam Mekong Delta Partnership: Quantified impacts of sand mining on geomorphology, salinity intrusion, and socio-economic vulnerability, leading to science-based policy recommendations..
  • Japan–Oman Collaboration: Developed frameworks for wadi flash-flood management using satellite data, field surveys, and AI-based early warning systems.

4. Infrastructure and Innovation Outcomes

  • Established Real-time facilities for flow and sediment monitoring in Taiwan (Zengwen River).
  • Pilot implementation of sediment replenishment zones downstream of dams.
  • Conducted joint industry projects on updating the master plans for flood management of Aqaba city in Jordan.

5. Educational and Human-Resource Outcomes

  • Supervised over numerous PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students from Japan, Asia, Switzerland, Germany, the USA, the Middle East and North Africa, and Africa.
  • Alumni now serve in leading institutions such as Cairo University, King Abdulaziz University, Alexandria University, MLIT Japan, Isabela State University, Thuyloi University, Sultan Qaboos University, Vietnamese German University, and UNESCO.
  • Hosted visiting researchers and JSPS postdocs from Asia, the USA, and Europe.
  • Conducted international field surveys, training courses, and exchange programs under DPRI and Kyoto University initiatives.

6. Academic and Research Outputs

  • Published over 300 peer-reviewed journal papers and conference proceedings in top journals.
  • Delivered keynote lectures at major international events such as IAHR-APD, ISFF, FSMart, international conference for Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), AOGEO symposium, and NATSILT SYMPOSIUM.
  • Received awards and recognition for excellence in research and collaboration in flood and sediment management.

7. Societal and Community Outcomes

  • Supported community-based flood-preparedness programs in the Philippines and Vietnam.
  • Promoted nature-based solutions (e.g., river-widening) for sustainable flood and sediment management.

8. Future Directions

Building on these achievements, the Kantoush Laboratory aims to expand its integrated research on “Smart River Basin Management” through next-generation AI tools, digital twins, and field-to-satellite monitoring systems. The lab’s mission is to connect mountains to seas, science to society, and nations through shared water

 

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