Name: Dirk Sahle
Title of Master thesis: River Habitat Survey - Comparisons at river Bröl, Ruhr, Inde, Niers & Schwalm at restored and non-
restored parts on temporal and spatial scale
Date of graduation: 31.08.2009
Current job: Geologist

What is hidden for you behind the term "Transnational ecosystem-based Water Management"?
This term stands for new approaches in management of water. It emphasizes the necessity to think more global in the sense of “not stopping water management at political borders”. It gives means at hand to develop new methods to deal with the most important resource we have. Co-operation and transparency in decisions as much as public participation are the key words.

Which main disciplines are content of the study program?
Biology, Natural Science, Economy, Social Science

Why do we have to manage water?
Water has become a complex issue which is necessary for almost all life-, physical- and chemical processes. It will be the most expensive natural good within the future; actually already is, e.g. think of the true ecological footprint Changes due to climate change will occur and make water even more valuable.

Why did you study TWM?
Due to my job experience I discovered the topic “water” as my favourite one. Together with the opportunity to study water management in an international setting made it desirable for me to study TWM.

What did you like during the study?
The international context has been great, together with a perfect setting in Nijmegen for students. It was very easy to get along with all teachers (German & Dutch) and it was a sort of nice community, knowing most of the people.

Did you obtain new qualifications which are required on job market?
Yes, e.g. practical teamwork from the scratch; development of practical projects.

The study program is quite new: Does this lead to advantages on the job market?
I have not made the experience since I’m still in my old occupational field. But I had the experience that due to the practical structure it is possible to get to know interesting people who might offer jobs.

What are potential employers?
Administrative water bodies
Consulting business