Adaptive Governance Framework for Managed Aquifer Recharge Agreements

 Water governance involves the political, social, economic and administrative systems set up to develop and manage water resources, and the supply of water-related services, at different levels of society (Rogers, 2003). Integrating Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) into water governance requires a multi-faceted approach. It must consider hydrogeological conditions, land use patterns and socio-economic factors (Ghannem et al., 2024a). “Within the AGREEMAR project”, an adaptive governance framework for MAR is proposed to address the pressing challenges of groundwater depletion and water scarcity in the mediterranean region. It is designed to guide the co-creation of sustainable, inclusive and adaptive MAR agreements. However, the success of this framework depends on collaboration among various stakeholders for effective governance leading to better water management.

The approach combines technical, social, economic, and regulatory aspects that are essential for MAR implementation (Figure 1). From a technical perspective, it focuses on identifying suitable MAR sites using feasibility maps and numerical models to assess hydrological and environmental impacts and to analyze the effects of MAR on the rest of water uses in the basin and on the quantitative evolution of the aquifers. From a social point of view, it stresses the importance of including local, regional and general stakeholders in decision-making processes. Economically, it considers cost-effectiveness, resource allocation and compensation mechanisms to equitably distribute benefits among stakeholders. Regulatory aspects focus on fulfilling existing legislation and aligning with local and international policies. This framework incorporates tools such as decision support systems “AQUATOOL” and numerical groundwater modeling “INOWAS platform” to simulate scenarios and guide informed decision-making. The approach is applied to specific case studies in Spain (Ghannem et al., 2024b). Guidelines for regional MAR agreements are proposed, which provide practical insights for implementing MAR agreements within different socio-economic, environmental, and regulatory contexts of each region.

This approach shows a participatory and systematic process to address the complexities of MAR. By integrating technical assessments, stakeholder-driven methodologies and a solid policy framework, it provides a replicable model for improving sustainable groundwater management in the mediterranean region and beyond. Details of the adaptive governance framework, that can be applicable to the Mediterranean basin, will be presented during the congress.

Fig. 1. Elements to be considered when drafting MAR agreements

 

References

Ghannem, S., Bergillos, R.J., Andreu, J., Paredes-Arquiola, J., Solera, A. 2024a. AGREEMAR Deliverable D3.2: General governance framework for MAR agreements. Available online at https://www.agreemar.inowas.com/deliverables.

Ghannem, S., Bergillos, R.J., Andreu, J., Solera, A., Leitão, T.E., Martins, T.N., Alpes K.G., Oliveira M.M., Horovitz M., Chkirbene A., Khemiri K., Panagiotou C.F. 2024b. AGREEMAR D3.3: Set of Regional Draft Agreements tailored to the project case studies. Available online at https://www.agreemar.inowas.com/deliverables.

Rogers, P. (2003). Effective Water Governance. Global Water Partnership Technical Committee (TEC).