From Istria to Sacramento: Showcasing Groundwater Innovation
19/06/2026
The BLUE RECHARGE project was proudly represented at the 19th Biennial Symposium on Managed Aquifer Recharge (BSMAR19), held from 31 March to 2 April 2026 in Sacramento, California, USA — one of the most important international events dedicated to Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and sustainable groundwater management.
The symposium brought together leading researchers, water management professionals, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to exchange knowledge and discuss innovative approaches to groundwater recharge, water resilience, and climate adaptation.
As part of the scientific programme, Diana Mance (UNIRI FIZRI) delivered an oral presentation entitled “Environmental Assessment of Managed Aquifer Recharge in Coastal Istria (Croatia)”. The presentation showcased key findings from the Croatian case study developed within the BLUE RECHARGE project and highlighted its contribution to advancing Managed Aquifer Recharge practices at both European and international levels.
The project was also represented through a poster presentation by Davor Mance (EFRI), entitled “Replicability Framework for Blue Credit Systems: Guidelines for EU-Wide Implementation of MAR-Based Water Stewardship”. The poster introduced an innovative framework for scaling Managed Aquifer Recharge through verified Blue Credits, using the Southern Istria pilot as a reference model for future replication across Europe.
The presented framework emphasises the importance of robust monitoring, reporting and verification systems, independent certification, transparent registries, public oversight, and adaptation to local hydrogeological conditions as key elements for the successful implementation and replicability of Blue Credit mechanisms.
Participation at BSMAR19 provided an important opportunity to showcase BLUE RECHARGE achievements to an international audience and to contribute to ongoing discussions on innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions for groundwater management and climate resilience.
