Abstract
Climate change is intensifying hydroclimatic extremes, threatening both water resources and urban areas, particularly in historic cities. Despite many historic cities have traditional water infrastructures (e.g., cisterns, qanats, and wells), these resilient systems remain largely under maintained and overlooked in modern water management strategies. This research aims to bridge historical knowledge with modern urban resilience, exploring how historic water infrastructures can enhance sustainable water management. Focusing on four historic cities in different climatic zones, the study will addresses three key gaps: 1) hydrological performance and adaptive capacity of historic infrastructures 2) lack of comprehensive strategies for their integration into modern systems 3) lack of policy guidance for implementation Using GIS analysis, hydrological modeling, archival research, and community engagement, the study will develop a policy framework for Antwerp, ensuring its historic water infrastructures support climate resilience. The project will produce a comparative study, policy recommendations, educational materials, cultural heritage conservation, public engagement initiatives, and improved urban climate resilience, offering scalable solutions for other cities facing similar water challenges.
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