UNESCO presents groundwater research project for the Vis Archipelago

The official UNESCO website has featured a project "Research, protection and sustainable use of fresh groundwater in the Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark", which the Vis Archipelago Geopark Association carried out with the support of UNESCO and the Aberdeen Group Charitable Foundation.

The project was launched with the goal of finding a sustainable solution for supplying the island of Biševo with drinking water. Biševo is not connected to the water supply system of the island of Vis and lacks its own organized source of drinking water, making supply heavily dependent on water shipments. This water scarcity hinders the development of agriculture and a sustainable economy, while also placing additional pressure on the environment and the quality of life for the local population.

As part of the project, existing geological, hydrological, and hydrochemical data were analyzed, and karst features, springs, wells, and cisterns were mapped. The research confirmed the potential of the karst aquifer on Biševo, identified locations for further study, and proposed possible methods for groundwater extraction and distribution.

The results represent an important step toward a better understanding of Biševo's groundwater and creating the prerequisites for the sustainable and rational use of local water resources. In the long term, securing a local water source could contribute to the restoration of agriculture, the protection of ecosystems, a reduction in dependence on water shipments, and an increase in the resilience of the island community.

Education for children and youth

An important part of the project was dedicated to educating the local community, especially children and young people. Through a total of 24 workshops , project activities involved 93 children from kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools.

Participants learned about limited drinking water supplies on islands, dependence on rainfall, karst aquifers, water conservation, and responsible consumption. They visited the hydrogeological sites of Zlopolje, Milna, Lokva, and Korita, as well as a pumping station, and were introduced to a digital system for monitoring island water resources.

Informative and educational boards were installed at four hydrogeological sites, and a publicly accessible digital textbook on the hydrogeology of the Vis Archipelago was created, intended for teachers, educators, students, and all interested users.

The local community as a vital part of the project

The project also involved the residents of Biševo, whose experiences and knowledge of the local area were extremely important for conducting field research. By including them, the project was not focused solely on scientific research, but also on finding a solution that meets the real needs of the island community.

The feature on the official UNESCO website further confirms the importance of the project for sustainable water resource management, climate change adaptation, environmental protection, and the long-term sustainability of life on small islands.

The full article is available on the official UNESCO website:
The quest for fresh groundwater – a sustainable solution for Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark