40 representatives from different scientific disciplines, such as hydrogeology, hydrology, law, riparian and ground water ecology as well as representatives from water suppliers, nature conservation associations, planning and engineering offices attended the event.
The objective of this workshop was to create a platform for networking within the field of tension of nature conservation and ground water management by integrating the latest scientific expertise and current research methods. The first workshop day started with practical experience reports. In addition, presentations on the impact of climate change on ground water resources, effects of ground water management on riparian ecosystems and ground water fauna as indicator of hydrological interactions were given. The range of topics was extended by juridical insights into legal instruments within the framework of application practices of water law and nature conservation law.
The second workshop day focused on scientific networking. Six impulse presentations from current research formed the basis for discussions. Thus, competences were shown and future research questions were developed.
In the final discussion, the various definitions of reference states, missing predictions for future changes under climate and land use change as well as the invasion of neobiota and the wish for a better implementation of biological models were derived as scientific challenges of ground water management in Natura2000 areas.
The event was organized by Prof. Nico Goldscheider and Tobias Wirsing (Institute of Applied Geosciences, Division of Hydrogeology, KIT).
Further details are provided in the PROGRAMME of the workshop (in German).
Origin of photos: group photo of the participants of the workshop at KIT (© U. Scherer), excursion to the Rheinauen (© U. Scherer).
