Björn Klöve Bioforsk-Norway University of Oulu-Finland GENESIS - Groundwater and Dependent Ecosystems: New Scientific and Technical Basis for Assessing Climate Change and Land-use Impacts on Groundwater Systems Björn Klöve Bioforsk-Norway University of Oulu-Finland

Content of presentation Project background (Bioforsk, UOULU) Participants and roles GENESIS main objectives and approach Expected impact Future events

GENSIS in Facts and Figures 25 partners: 15 universities, 8 research institutes and 2 SME Advisory board 5 members Balázs Horvath - EU DG Environment, Ariane Blum - BRGM: French Geological Survey, Juhani Gustafsson- SYKE- the Finnish Environment Institute, Rob Ward - UK Environment Agency, Johannes Grath - Umweltbundesamt Austria, Leader of the Groundwater working group C, Björn Klöve -Bioforsk (Chairperson), 13 EU states, 4 Associated states Multidisciplinary proposal Research proposal that provides the scientific basis for the update of the EU GWD Budget 10 M€ with EU finance 7M€ Duration 5 years (from 1.4.2009) Co-ordinated by Bioforsk, Norway

Background history Bioforsk,UOULU foto P.Snilsberg

GENSIS at a glance Provides the scientific basis for the update of the EU GWD by developing tools for groundwater modelling and assessment Provides: knowledge on different groundwater systems methods to determine flowpaths and residence time better understanding of leaching processes through the unsaturated zone to groundwater and groundwater contamination knowledge on groundwater dependent ecosystems tools for modeling and assessment integrated management considering sociological, legal and economic aspects dissemination of knowledge (publications, courses, seminars)

GENESIS concept Scientific research is needed to improve the understanding of how different drivers affect groundwater systems. New process understanding must be incorporated into mathematical models and assessment tools. Scenarios will be simulated to assess impacts in an integrated way taking account of uncertainties present in such simulations.

Case Study Aquifers

Work packages

Expected impact of the project

More knowledge on how GW changes impact ecosystems Natural state water balance Regional drainage water balance

Protection of ecosystems dependent on groundwater

Future steps WP1 - Information on case studies from each location, prepare startegy on data sharing Measurement protocols for each site data needs for modelling tracer studies WP3 start measurements GWD Annex II - A common document will be prepared on GWD needs and GENESIS input Ecosystems hydrology – mathematical code review – measurements ecology – indicator methods to detect vulnerable sites, impact of land use, environmental quality (status) in Finland extend the collaboration with other groups (Pan-European database?) Modelling methods review methods used by partners develop a common platform Management studies in WP6 site selection meeting in July

Summary and future events GENESIS is a scientific research project that support the GWD development Action lists in preparation for the whole project and individual WPs that show the way for the next months Future conferences, cources and workshops open for all with GENESIS input IWA conference Greece – July 2009 - water economy GENESIS seminar and PhD course on tracer use in groundwater systems: Munich June 2010 IAH conference 2010 Cracow Ground water dependent ecosystems – time not yet decided, please follow www.thegenesisproject.eu Thank you for your attention!