Overexploitation and Contamination of Shared Groundwater Resources: Management, (Bio)technological, and Political Approaches to Avoid Conflicts

Objectives:

In a number of regions of the world, in particular in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, groundwater resources shared by neighboring countries, or used by different socio-economic groups in individual countries suffer from overexploitation and contamination. If the situation is not addressed, there is a distinct risk of conflicts in years to come. Via a combination of lectures and problem-based learning exercises (case studies), this institute will make participants acquainted with an integrated approach for the monitoring and management of shared groundwater resources, and for the various stakeholders to harmoniously reached decisions about groundwater use that are economically and socially sustainable.