DIKTAS Neno Kukurić

DIKTAS: Protection and Sustainable Use of the Dinaric Karst Aquifer System

The Dinaric Karst Aquifer System, shared by several countries and one of the world's largest, has been identified as an ideal opportunity for applying new and integrated management approaches to unique karst water resources and ecosystems. At the global level, the project aims to focus attention of the international community on the huge but vulnerable water resources contained in karst aquifers. At the regional level the project's objectives are: to facilitate the equitable and sustainable utilization of the transboundary water resources of the Dinaric Karst Aquifer System, and to protect the unique groundwater dependent ecosystems that characterize the Dinaric Karst region of the Balkan peninsula. Full-size GEF regional project, implemented by UNDP and executed by UNESCO (2010-2014). More info at/via http://dinaric.iwlearn.org

Activities: Improving the understanding of the resource and of its environmental status. Establishing cooperation mechanisms among countries. Facilitating the harmonization of policies and priority reforms. Communication, dissemination and replication of activities. The first project year achievements: Establishment of the project structure (PCU, NEUs, Project Team, Steering Committee, Scientific advisory Board..) Development and realisation of the Annual Working Plan, mostly dedicated to Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Stakeholders Participation Impressions: very challenging but rewarding and (with a lot of effort and a bit of luck) achievable!

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