The KINDRA project: sharing and evaluating groundwater research and knowledge in Europe

Abstract

Groundwater knowledge and research in the European Union is often scattered and non-standardised, because of different subjects involved and different approaches from Member States. The Horizon2020 project KINDRA has conducted an EU-wide assessment of existing groundwater-related practical and scientific knowledge based on a new Hydrogeological Research Classification System, identifying more than 280 keywords related to three main categories (namely Operational Actions, Research topics and Societal Challenges) to be intersected in a 3D-diagram approach. The classification is supported by a web-service, the European Inventory of Groundwater Research, which acts not only as knowledge repository but also as a tool to help identify relevant research topics, existing research trends and critical research challenges. The records have been uploaded during the project by 20 national experts from National Associations of Geologists, under the umbrella of the European Federation of Geologists. The total number of metadata included in the inventory at the end of the project are about 2300, and the analysis of the results is considered useful for producing synergies, implementing policies and optimising water management in Europe. By the use of additional indicators, the database content has been analysed by occurrence of keywords, type of document, level of innovation. Using the three-axes classification, more easily understandable by 2D diagrams as bubble plots, occurrence and relationship of different topics (main categories) in groundwater research have been highlighted. This article summarizes the activities realized in relation to the common classification system and to the metadata included in the EIGR, showing the distribution of the collected information in different categories and attributes identified by the classification.

Innovative Hydrogeophysical Approaches as Aids to Assess Hungarian Groundwater Bodies

“…More than 95% of our drinking water is provided from groundwater resources; meanwhile, Hungary is famous for its mineral, therapeutic, and thermal water supplies. Hydrogeologists have high professional responsibility to safeguard our groundwater resources and manage their sustainable utilization in quantitative and qualitative terms [35]. During the past years, hydrogeologist experts had to face numerous global or local environmental and social threats that have significant adverse effects on the environmental elements, especially on groundwater [36].…”

Groundwater – an invisible natural resource

“…9 Since thermal systems have limited natural replenishment, therefore, due to uncontrolled overproduction, there may be serious negative impacts that can seriously endanger our entire groundwater source, which is at the same time a source of our drinking water, world famous mineral and medicinal waters. 10 Based on the regional distribution of the thermal water storage systems in Hungary, it can be concluded that the geothermal conditions of Hungary are outstanding. In the most favored area, at the Southern Great Plain, practically for all settlements, the thermal water production and heat utilization are geologically possible from the upper-pannonian sand layers.…”

Stakeholders’ Perspective on Groundwater Management in Four Water-Stressed Mediterranean Areas: Priorities and Challenges

“…Its main aim is the prevention of water resource deterioration, both in terms of quality and quantity. However, groundwater knowledge and research in the European Union are often non-standardized, since groundwater management involves different bodies at local, regional, and national levels [9]. Furthermore, the complexity and heterogeneity of the Mediterranean basin, in terms of environmental features (from wet to arid), culture, lifestyle, and practices in water uses, require specific plans and preparedness for effective responses to drought events.…”

“…The interaction between the scientific community and the water managers is fundamental, as it enables a direct transfer of knowledge to implement effective management practices [9,10]. This lines up with the EU valorization policy that proposes to accelerate the potential uptake of research outcomes or data and suggests various available means.…”