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Towards a Sustainable and Adaptive Groundwater Management: Lessons from the Benalup Aquifer (Southern Spain)

Author

Listed:
  • Mercedes Vélez-Nicolás

    (Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11519 Puerto Real, Spain)

  • Santiago García-López

    (Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11519 Puerto Real, Spain)

  • Verónica Ruiz-Ortiz

    (Department of Industrial and Civil Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Algeciras, University of Cádiz, 11202 Algeciras, Spain)

  • Ángel Sánchez-Bellón

    (Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11519 Puerto Real, Spain)

Abstract

Reversing the chemical and quantitative impacts derived from human activity on aquifers demands a multidisciplinary approach. This requires, firstly, to update the hydrogeological knowledge of the groundwater systems, which is pivotal for the sustainable use of this resource, and secondly, to integrate the social, economic and administrative reality of the region. The present work focuses on the Benalup aquifer, whose exploitation plays a major role in the economy of the area, based mainly on irrigated agriculture. This activity has had negative consequences for the aquifer in quantitative and chemical terms, leading to its declaration as in poor condition. The study presented here shows the results obtained from the application of hydrogeological techniques, remote sensing and citizen participation tools, which have allowed us to deepen and improve the current knowledge of the system’s hydrogeological, geometric, administrative and social aspects. Additionally, the lessons learned from this case study are analyzed. The deficiencies detected are discussed, and alternatives aimed at the sustainable use of groundwater are proposed, such as the possibility of a joint use of surface and groundwater resources, the creation of a Water User Association responsible for the management of groundwater and the need for greater efforts aimed at educating and raising awareness of water conservation among citizens.

Suggested Citation

  • Mercedes Vélez-Nicolás & Santiago García-López & Verónica Ruiz-Ortiz & Ángel Sánchez-Bellón, 2020. "Towards a Sustainable and Adaptive Groundwater Management: Lessons from the Benalup Aquifer (Southern Spain)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-28, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:12:p:5215-:d:376639
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. L. De Stefano & J.M. Fornés & J.A. López-Geta & F. Villarroya, 2015. "Groundwater use in Spain: an overview in light of the EU Water Framework Directive," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(4), pages 640-656, December.
    3. Llamas, M. R. & Garrido, A., 2007. "Lessons from intensive groundwater use in Spain: economic and social benefits and conflicts," IWMI Books, Reports H040051, International Water Management Institute.
    4. José Molina & José García Aróstegui & José Benavente & Consuelo Varela & Africa Hera & Juan López Geta, 2009. "Aquifers Overexploitation in SE Spain: A Proposal for the Integrated Analysis of Water Management," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 23(13), pages 2737-2760, October.
    5. Ameneh Mianabadi & Hashem Derakhshan & Kamran Davary & Seyed Majid Hasheminia & Markus Hrachowitz, 2020. "A Novel Idea for Groundwater Resource Management during Megadrought Events," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 34(5), pages 1743-1755, March.
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