On April 21st, the NINFA Project Workshop, titled “Understanding Groundwater Through Innovation,” took place at the Los Alcázares Town Hall (Murcia, Spain), bringing together stakeholders from public authorities, research institutions, and industry. The event served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and discussion on the future of sustainable groundwater management.
Opening Session: Setting the Scene
The workshop was officially opened by Mario Ginés Pérez Cervera, Mayor-President of Los Alcázares, alongside Ignacio Villanueva Jover from the Hydrological Planning Office of the Segura River Basin Authority. Their presentations provided valuable insights into the current environmental challenges affecting the region, particularly those related to groundwater resources and the Mar Menor area.
Following the opening remarks, Ainhoa Gaudes from Leitat technological center introduced the NINFA Project, outlining its objectives and approach. This was complemented by a presentation from Irene Fernández Fernández (Aqualia), who showcased the innovative technologies being developed within the project, as well as ongoing pilot activities aimed at improving groundwater management practices.
Advancing Decision-Making Through Innovation
A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the NINFA Decision Support System (DSS) by Georgios Manassakis. This advanced digital platform is designed to support informed, data-driven decision-making processes for sustainable water management. By integrating monitoring data, modelling tools, and predictive capabilities, the DSS represents a significant step forward in improving how groundwater resources are managed and protected.
The workshop also benefited from the participation of Ignacio Villanueva from the Segura River Basin Authority, whose contribution provided important institutional and technical perspectives on groundwater challenges in the region.
Roundtable Discussion: Collaboration at the Core
One of the most engaging parts of the event was the roundtable discussion, moderated by Henrietta Whyte (IMT Atlantique). The session brought together experts from several national and international projects, fostering a rich and interactive dialogue on both the challenges and opportunities in groundwater management.
Participants included:
- Mª Mercedes Guerrero (CEBAS-CSIC) – BELICH Project
- Virginia Robles (IGME-CSIC) – CLEPSYDRA Project
- Miguel Ángel Suarez Valdés (CETENMA) – NPower Project
- Ana Isabel Paredes Ortiz (CETENMA) – SEACURE Project
The discussion covered key topics such as groundwater pollution, innovative monitoring strategies, technological advancements, and the integration of scientific knowledge into policy and decision-making frameworks.
Driving Synergies for Sustainable Water Management
The roundtable clearly highlighted the importance of cross-project collaboration and knowledge sharing to tackle complex environmental challenges. By aligning research efforts and combining expertise across disciplines and initiatives, participants emphasized the potential to generate impactful and scalable solutions for groundwater protection across Europe.
Looking Ahead
The NINFA Workshop demonstrated the critical role of innovation, collaboration, and science-based approaches in addressing groundwater challenges. Tools such as the NINFA DSS, combined with strong stakeholder engagement, pave the way toward more resilient and sustainable water management strategies.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to continue fostering cooperation and advancing solutions that ensure the long-term protection of vital groundwater resources.
