Overview
GWS-SENCE stands for “GroundWater SuStainable and Equitable development uNder Constraints of Ecosystem conservation and saltwater intrusion prevention in large deltas”.
We aim to promote sustainable and equitable groundwater resources development in populated coastal areas, ensuring the protection of dependent ecosystems and communities, as well as the prevention of saltwater intrusion. We aim to do so in a consortium with partners from four countries: Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya and the Netherlands, by jointly addressing local concrete groundwater problems around the mentioned topics in three study areas, through research, training and capacity strengthening, with focus on smart monitoring and comprehensive assessment of the groundwater resource and its importance for the society and ecosystems in the area. We thereby ultimately envision a more sustainable and equitable groundwater development in these urbanized deltas, so that rights of ecosystems and communities, with special attention to marginalized (groups of) people, are assured while having shared access to sufficient groundwater, further considering a changing climate.
Activities take place around four core elements that are closely interrelated and running in parallel at each of the study sites, coordinated by each of the corresponding country teams. They are: i) conceptualisation of groundwater systems, resources and processes; ii) groundwater and society; iii) groundwater and ecosystems; iv) communication. We address the first three elements through applied research together with PhD and MSc students, as well as the local actors, and we aim to include training and capacity building for a long-lasting impact of our activities.
Sponser
Principal Investigator
Abstract
The project promotes sustainable and equitable groundwater development in densely populated coastal areas, while protecting ecosystems and communities and preventing saltwater intrusion. It brings together partners from Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and the Netherlands to address real-world groundwater challenges in three study areas.
Through collaborative research, training, and capacity building, GWS-SENCE focuses on smart monitoring and comprehensive assessment of groundwater resources—highlighting their value to both society and ecosystems. The project aims to ensure inclusive access to groundwater, especially for marginalized groups, in the context of climate change.
Activities are organized around four interlinked pillars, implemented across all study sites:
- Groundwater systems, resources, and processes
- Groundwater and society
- Groundwater and ecosystems
- Communication
The first three pillars are supported by applied research involving PhD and MSc students and local stakeholders, alongside targeted training to ensure lasting impact.