Suchergebnisse

The military domain of Houthalen is a shooting area and also a protected Natura 2000 site, with an alternation of dunes, fens and heathlands. Already years ago, it was determined that the groundwater table is lowered by digging deep canals. Intensive consultation and study work (ecohydrological modeling) has shown that recovery is possible, taking into account the military use. Specific attention was paid to the accessibility through the fire roads and the water level in the fens. Recovery is started up, as well as a monitoring programme.

The military domain of Houthalen is a shooting area and also a protected Natura 2000 site, with an alternation of dunes, fens and heathlands. Already years ago, it was determined that the groundwater table is lowered by digging deep canals. Intensive consultation and study work (ecohydrological modeling) has shown that recovery is possible, taking into account the military use. Specific attention was paid to the accessibility through the fire roads and the water level in the fens. Recovery is started up, as well as a monitoring programme.

Shale gas is currently being explored in Europe as an alternative energy source to conventional oil and gas. There is, however, increasing concern about the potential environmental impacts of shale gas extraction by hydraulic fracturing (fracking). In this study, we focussed on the potential impacts on regional water resources within the Baltic Basin in Poland, both in terms of quantity and quality. The future development of the shale play was modeled for the time period 2015–2030 using the LUISA modeling framework. We formulated two scenarios which took into account the large range in technology and resource requirements, as well as two additional scenarios based on the current legislation and the potential restrictions which could be put in place. According to these scenarios, between 0.03 and 0.86 % of the total water withdrawals for all sectors could be attributed to shale gas exploitation within the study area. A screening-level assessment of the potential impact of the chemicals commonly used in fracking was carried out and showed that due to their wide range of physicochemical properties, these chemicals may pose additional pressure on freshwater ecosystems. The legislation put in place also influenced the resulting environmental impacts of shale gas extraction. Especially important are the protection of vulnerable ground and surface water resources and the promotion of more water-efficient technologies.

AbstractYoung water professionals (YWPs) have a critical role in ensuring how water resources will be managed to contribute towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To address the challenges of climate change, population growth, and urbanization, YWPs require leadership skills, transdisciplinary competencies, technical knowledge, and practical experience. This article presents the India YWP training program, led by Western Sydney University and the Australia India Water Centre (AIWC), aimed at developing a cohort of skilled YWPs and nurturing the next generation of water leaders in support of India's water reform agenda and the National Water Mission. The program engaged 20 YWPs, consisting of an equal gender representation, selected by the Ministry of Jal Shakti from various water management agencies and departments across India. The 11‐month training program was designed to be transformative and interactive, and it used an online platform comprising online lectures, mentoring, and project‐based learning facilitated by the AIWC team. The training methodology focused on engaged learning, incorporating online workshops, Situation Understanding and Improvement Projects (SUIPs), online group discussions, and mentoring. The SUIPs provided a platform for YWPs to work in pairs, receiving guidance from AIWC members, enabling them to develop practical skills and knowledge in real‐world contexts. The program effectively enhanced participants' capacities in project planning, design, implementation, and management, while fostering critical thinking and problem‐solving skills by adopting transdisciplinary approaches. Furthermore, participants demonstrated improved leadership, project management, time management, and communication skills. The training helped YWPs to equip them with a holistic perspective and stakeholder‐focused mindset to address diverse water challenges from a holistic and long‐term standpoint.

AbstractTraining young water professionals in India and many other countries often focuses primarily on technical skills, leaving them ill‐prepared to deal with complex challenges and changing water management practices of the 21st century. Mentoring programs need to be designed to address the gap in competency development by incorporating transdisciplinary projects and activities, team building, professional networking, and relationship‐building. This will equip young professionals with the necessary leadership and managerial skills. Here, we present a case study of the Young Water Professionals (YWP) training program for participants from India, which developed transdisciplinary thinkers capable of leading positive change in the water industry. The YWP training program involved 20 participants under 35 years of age, paired with mentors from Australia and India who were experienced professionals in the water sector. The Mentor role was diverse and included positioning as an educator, sponsor, advisor, advocating agent, role model, coach, and confidante. This diversity of roles and attributes was necessary to support the mentees in their personal and professional development. The transdisciplinarity of the YWP training approach combined mentoring with technical training, experiential learning through situation understanding and improvement (SUIP), and working with client and project partners is expected to benefit the participants' professional outcomes significantly. The mentoring program aided in facilitating the achievement of career goals and improved the ability of participants to manage workplace challenges providing a clearer path for career progression. There were several learnings for future YWP mentoring, including; a hybrid mentoring mode, making online mentoring more interactive and productive and strengthening lines of communication. Overall, the YWP program reinforced the value of mentoring, especially the role of mentoring in enhancing the skills and capabilities of young water professionals and preparing them for future leadership roles in the water industry.