Global Water Scarcity and Urban Resilience

João C.G. Lanzinha is a Full Professor of Civil Engineering at the Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal. He has over 30 years of academic and professional experience in sustainable construction, building rehabilitation, and municipal engineering. His research includes energy efficiency in buildings, quality in construction systems, and innovation in materials and techniques. Prof. Lanzinha has participated in several national and international projects and coordinated multidisciplinary research teams. He is a member of scientific committees and editorial boards in the field of built environment technologies and has a long-standing interest in sustainable urban development.

Michael M. Santos is a PhD researcher in Civil Engineering at the Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal. His work focuses on sustainable urban infrastructure and climate adaptation in African cities, particularly those vulnerable to extreme weather and chronic water scarcity. With professional experience in Germany, Mozambique, Spain, and Portugal, he integrates civil engineering with urban policy and planning to promote resilience in rapidly growing urban environments. His research is centered on the city of Beira, Mozambique, and explores the intersection of technical innovation, local knowledge, and inclusive infrastructure. He is also involved in institutional development and strategic project coordination under national recovery and resilience programs (PRR).

Ana Vaz Ferreira is a Professor at the Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco, Portugal, in the Department of Civil Engineering. Her academic work focuses on spatial planning, urban regeneration, housing policy, and territorial sustainability. She has contributed to various regional development initiatives and urban design strategies that emphasize resilience, social equity, and heritage-sensitive planning. Prof. Ferreira has a strong record of collaboration with municipalities and interdisciplinary research groups, promoting the integration of engineering, public policy, and environmental systems in urban contexts.

Isabel Bentes is a Professor at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), in Portugal, in the Engineering Department. She has worked as a designer of water supply systems, wastewater and stormwater drainage systems, and irrigation systems. Her research focuses, among other topics, in infrastructure within the context of water and environmental sustainability, namely wastewater and storm water reuse, low impact development solution, climate change adaptation, and water resource management. She has participated in several projects related to integrated water management, sustainable water solutions, and urban flood management. Prof. Bentes combines her technical expertise in hydraulic engineering with a strong interest in regional development and resilience. Her academic contributions are supported by a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and active engagement with engineering networks and policy interfaces.