Groundwater: a hidden multiple resource and climate buffer for a sustainable future

On July 18, 2024, the University of Pannonia in Veszprém hosted the second HOPE Sustainability Conference, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship to European Union diplomats. 

The conference's "Planet in Blue?" session featured a keynote by Dr. Judit Mádl-Szőnyi, who delved into the ClimEx-PE project's groundbreaking research on nature-based solution. Her talk, titled "Groundwater: A Hidden Multiple Resource and Climate Buffer for a Sustainable Future," brought to light the vast, yet often overlooked, subterranean freshwater reserves. She highlighted a dynamic systems approach, developed under the ENeRAG H2020 initiative, which offers a blueprint for harmonizing resource exploitation with scientific governance.

Dr. Mádl-Szőnyi's presentation also explored the ClimEx-PE project's ideas on groundwater's role in mitigating extreme weather events linked to climate change. She presented a model that maps out regions vulnerable to drought and flooding, providing a foundation for hydrological adaptation strategies. The NaBa-MAR® concept was highlighted as well, that is an innovative solution crafted by ELTE researchers within the ClimEx-PE framework. This concept integrates knowledge of groundwater flow systems with managed aquifer recharge (MAR) technology, aiming to restore ecosystems affected by prolonged droughts. The NaBa-MAR® concept is poised to become a European trademark, marking a significant milestone in the project's journey.