Main Results and Achievements
06/08/2026
Reflecting on 30 months of cross-border cooperation, innovation and sustainable groundwater management.
Now that the project has concluded, it is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements delivered over the past 30 months and on the lasting legacy it leaves for sustainable groundwater management, climate change adaptation and cross-border cooperation.
Funded under the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme, the project brought together partners from Italy and Croatia with a shared objective: to develop innovative, science-based and transferable solutions for protecting groundwater resources while strengthening resilience to climate change through Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR).
Throughout its implementation, the project successfully combined scientific research, pilot demonstrations, stakeholder engagement and policy development, creating practical tools and knowledge that will continue to support sustainable water management well beyond the project's lifetime.
From Research to Practical Solutions
One of the project's greatest strengths was its multidisciplinary approach. Partners carried out hydrogeological research, environmental monitoring and technical assessments to better understand groundwater systems and identify effective recharge solutions.
Pilot activities implemented at the Italian case study of Valle di Mezzano and at the Croatian pilot site in Loborika demonstrated the potential of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) to improve groundwater availability, protect water quality and increase resilience to climate change. Environmental assessments and continuous monitoring provided valuable scientific evidence supporting the wider application of these nature-based solutions.
At the same time, the project introduced the innovative Blue Credits concept, promoting groundwater recharge and water stewardship as valuable environmental services and laying the foundations for future market-based approaches supporting sustainable water management. As part of this work, partners developed a platform that enables stakeholders to actively contribute to groundwater recharge through a Blue Credits trading system. The platform operates on a blockchain ledger, managing the entire credit lifecycle—from the creation of credits through Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) projects, to their purchase and final use. The model foresees the participation of a seller, namely the entity generating credits through the implementation of a MAR project, and a buyer purchasing credits to support verified groundwater recharge activities and strengthen its water stewardship and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments.
Key Project Outputs
To ensure that the project's results remain available after its completion, partners developed a comprehensive portfolio of technical documents, educational resources and policy recommendations.
Among the project's key outputs are:
Handbook: Blue Credits' Market as an Adaptation Measure to Climate Change
European Guidelines for the Replication of the Blue Credits Model
Training Toolkit of the Workshop for Technicians and Policy Makers
"Popular BLUE RECHARGE Proposal": Results of Consensus Building Laboratories
Environmental Impact Assessment of the Case Studies
Best Practice Video Series presenting the project's scientific findings and practical experience.
Together, these resources provide practical guidance for implementing Managed Aquifer Recharge, promoting the Blue Credits concept and supporting the replication of project results in other European regions. All publications, technical documents and educational materials are available for download in the Library section of the project website, accessible via the link on the right-hand side of the page.
Knowledge Exchange and International Cooperation
Throughout the project, partners actively promoted knowledge exchange through steering committee meetings, technical workshops, stakeholder events, study visits and international conferences.
Project results were presented at numerous scientific and professional events, including international conferences on groundwater management and climate adaptation. These events were of particular importance because they not only allowed the promotion of the project's outputs, but also enabled experts from across Europe and beyond to engage in peer exchange and knowledge transfer activities, as well as to discuss and explore the replicability and transferability potential of the BLUE RECHARGE system in other territories. Besides, regular newsletters, publications and communication activities ensured the continuous dissemination of knowledge among experts, institutions and the wider public.
Creating a Lasting Impact
Beyond its scientific and technical achievements, the project has established a strong foundation for the future. The methodologies, publications and educational materials developed during its implementation provide practical tools that can be adapted and replicated by other regions facing similar challenges related to groundwater management and climate resilience.
By combining research, innovation, stakeholder engagement and international cooperation, the project demonstrates how collaborative approaches can contribute to protecting one of Europe's most valuable natural resources.
Looking Ahead
Although the project has formally come to an end, its results will continue to support sustainable groundwater management and inspire future initiatives across Europe.
The partnership would like to thank all project partners, associated organisations, experts, stakeholders and local communities whose commitment and collaboration made these achievements possible.
All project publications, technical resources and educational materials remain available through the project website. The knowledge developed during the project will continue to support future actions towards more resilient and sustainable groundwater management.
