Handbook Published: Results of the Case Studies and Blue Credits Implementation
25/05/2026
The document “Handbook: Results of the Case Studies” has been officially published, presenting the outcomes of pilot activities carried out in Istria and the Emilia-Romagna region, as well as practical approaches to implementing Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) systems for sustainable groundwater management.
The handbook addresses key topics related to the planning and implementation of MAR systems, including the definition of recharge objectives, selection of suitable sites and technologies, stakeholder involvement, monitoring and benefit quantification methodologies, and the feasibility of the Blue Credits mechanism.
The publication highlights two pilot case studies:
- the Southern Istria pilot area, focused on assessing the use of treated wastewater for karst aquifer recharge and mitigation of groundwater salinisation risks,
- the Emilia-Romagna pilot area, where agricultural wetlands were analysed as nature-based solutions for aquifer recharge and climate adaptation.
Special attention is given to:
- groundwater level and water quality monitoring methodologies,
- infiltration process analysis and recharge efficiency assessments,
- evaluation of environmental co-benefits such as ecosystem protection, saltwater intrusion mitigation, and drought resilience,
- development of certification and valorisation models within the Blue Credits framework.
The handbook also provides recommendations for the future replication of MAR systems across European regions, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring, institutional cooperation, and sustainable water resource management.
👉 The full document is available for download via the link located on the right side of the page.
