The International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH): reflecting on 60 years of contributions to groundwater science and water management

Abstract

The 60th anniversary of the founding of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) is an important milestone that allows pause for reflection on how the association has evolved over the years and the contributions it has made to groundwater science and water management. IAH was founded in 1956 at the 20th International Geological Congress and developed rapidly during the 1980s and 1990s in response to a growing global interest in groundwater mapping and in sound approaches to resource protection and sustainable aquifer management. Incorporated in 2000, IAH has now secured its position as the world's leading international association specialising in groundwater with over 4,100 members in 131 countries. Much credit for this success must go to members, past and present, whose individual efforts and collaboration with sister institutions are documented here. These members have shaped the association's goals and contributed selflessly to its scientific programmes, publications and educational and charitable activities. Looking ahead to the next 60 years, it is essential that IAH does not rest on past achievements but listens and adjusts to the needs of members while continuing to pursue its mission of furthering the understanding, wise use and protection of groundwater resources throughout the world.

Moroccan Groundwater Resources and Evolution with Global Climate Changes

“…Globally, research into groundwater management has contributed much to overall water resource management policies, but there is still a lack the socio-professional context necessary to exploit research findings [55]. In addition, water managers may overlook scientific information that could be useful for decision makers, and may not understand the constraints faced by scientists to undertake and solve water issues [55][56][57][58]. Overcoming some of these coordination issues can improve both the applicability of scientific results and the quality of water management decisions.…”

Pasts and Presents of Urban Socio-Hydrogeology: Groundwater Levels in Berlin, 1870–2020

“…Many publications deal with the history of the discipline of hydrogeology itself. Topics range from profiles of eminent hydrogeologists [20,21], the development of hydrogeology as a science [22][23][24][25][26], and the establishment of hydrogeological associations [27] to countryspecific histories [28][29][30][31][32][33]. Even if some of these publications recognise the influence of context on the progress of hydrogeology (e.g., [30]), they are largely descriptive, seeing history as a linear trajectory of scientific progress.…”

Professor Ramón Llamas: a founding father of hydrogeology in Spain

“…Llamas was president of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) from 1984 to 1989. He was instrumental in initiating a sponsored membership scheme within IAH, which was one of the first such schemes established by a professional association, enabling central funds to be used to support colleagues from developing nations (Struckmeier et al 2016). A notable contribution to Hydrogeology Journal, entitled BThe role of the Spanish Committee of the International Association of Hydrogeologists in the management and protection of Spain's groundwater resources^ (Custodio et al 1998), exemplifies his ability to encourage involvement.…”