The ClimEx-PE project originated from the CHARM-EU collaboration, leveraging the expertise and resources of some its partner institutions, including Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), University of Barcelona (UB), Utrecht University (UU), and Trinity College Dublin (TCD). The involvement of additional experts from the University of Zaragoza (UNIZAR) was facilitated through the extensive network of the UB. The project secured support under the EU’s Water4All 2022 initiative, highlighting its significance in promoting sustainable water management practices. Water4All’s Vision is to ”boost the systemic transformations and changes across the entire research-water innovative pipeline, fostering the matchmaking between problem owners and solution providers for ensuring water security for all in the long term.”

The first research activity within CHARM-EU began in mid-September 2022, grounded on the strategic and methodological foundations laid down in the framework of the TORCH project, the research and innovation collaboration of the CHARM-EU Alliance in which the Alliance created a Common Science Agenda as a method to identify research teams around shared scientific interests to tackle major societal challenges (for more on this, see here). This initial phase focused on natural phenomena such as floods, droughts, groundwater, and their social consequences. Experts from various disciplines and contributing institutes were invited to participate. A consortium was then formed, led by ELTE with Judit Mádl-Szőnyi as the principal investigator (PI), alongside José Francisco García from the University of Barcelona (UB), Patrick Morrissey from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and Katrin Merfeld from Utrecht University (UU). The team worked on subtopics including climate, water, social aspects, communication, education, and environmental law. In October, a pre-proposal was submitted and received a positive evaluation, selected among the top 67 out of over 200 submissions. This success allowed the team to submit the final proposal in April 2023, which was shortlisted for funding among 27 out of 67 eligible proposals. This marked the first significant achievement of CHARM-EU in terms of joint research and innovation.

The scientific approach of the ClimEx-PE project addresses groundwater flow systems as a critical missing element in effective water management. Different flow systems, along with their recharge and discharge areas, can naturally buffer against droughts and floods. The project proposes utilizing these natural variations in flow systems to balance drought and flood conditions through nature-based Managed Aquifer Recharge approach. The main goals of the ClimEx-PE project are to incorporate groundwater flow system evaluations into local-scale MAR techniques and use them for co-creative public engagement. Globally nature-based MAR is a term used in a broader sense for replenishment of groundwater. Additionally, the project aims to provide a new and upscaled nature-based Managed Aquifer Recharge approach for regional-scale mitigation of extreme hydroclimatic events.

The ClimEx-PE project has organized several key workshops, field visits and stakeholder meetings to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange. The project has made significant strides in advancing our understanding of hydrological extremes and adaptation strategies. By integrating natural groundwater flow processes with innovative water management techniques, a new NaBa-MAR®(nature-based Managed Aquifer Recharge®^[1]) approach was introduced. 

The success of ClimEx-PE underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges and sets a precedent for future projects within the CHARM-EU framework. By bringing together diverse expertise and resources, the project has made meaningful contributions to sustainable water management practices. As the project progresses, it will continue to serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges through international cooperation. 

^[1] It is the official name of the ‘invention’ of ELTE Hydrogeology Group has been protected by the European trademark in 2024, which was implemented in the project to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources.

The ClimEx-PE project has produced a variety of resources, including project-specific documents. These resources provide valuable insights into the methodologies and findings of the project, supporting further research and implementation efforts. 

• Could Groundwater Management Be the Sustainable Solution for Addressing Extreme Hydrological Events? – CHARM-EU 
• Water4all: enhancing engagement for groundwater solutions – News – Utrecht University 
• ELTE-led joint research proposal developed within CHARM-EU wins grant 
• Nature-Based Managed Aquifer Recharge
• ClimEX-PE Project Newsletter, Issue 1.
• Official website of the Project

The ClimEx-PE project grew out of the CHARM-EU framework through a series of well-defined steps