Blue Recharge
The "BLUE RECHARGE" project aims to enhance the
sustainability of groundwater resources in Italy and Croatia through innovative
economic incentives. Groundwater is essential for various uses, including
drinking water, agriculture, industry, and tourism. However, it faces
significant threats from over-abstraction, pollution, and climate change. The
primary goal of the project is to achieve and maintain a good chemical and
quantitative status of groundwater by ensuring sustainable usage practices.
A central innovation of BLUE RECHARGE is the introduction of the
"Blue Credits" system. This economic mechanism incentivizes public
and private entities to engage in sustainable groundwater management practices.
Participants earn Blue Credits by contributing to aquifer recharge and
conservation efforts, which can then be traded in a dedicated market. This
market-driven approach promotes the long-term sustainability of groundwater
resources by creating financial rewards for positive environmental actions.
The project fosters collaboration among public authorities,
research institutions, and private companies to develop and implement the Blue
Credits system. By integrating scientific research with practical economic
strategies, BLUE RECHARGE aims to create a robust framework for groundwater
sustainability that can be replicated in other regions. Additionally, the
project emphasizes the importance of knowledge sharing and community engagement
to ensure widespread adoption of the developed methodologies and strategies.