Research, protection and sustainable use of fresh groundwater of the Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark

UNESCO and Abrdn Charitable Foundation (AcF)

Project Name: Research, protection and sustainable use of fresh groundwater of the Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark

Lead partner: Vis Archipelago Geopark

Brief description: ‍

Biševo, the second largest island of the Vis Archipelago Geopark, does not have its own drinking water supply system and is not connected to the mainland water pipeline, although according to the latest population census of the Republic of Croatia it has 20 inhabitants. Drinking water is delivered to the island of Biševo several times a year, depending on the needs of the population, by water supply tankers.

On the neighbouring island of Vis, where most of the population of the Vis Archipelago Geopark lives, water is supplied from a local karst aquifer.

Hydrogeological exploration of the island of Biševo with the aim of identifying potential aquifers could contribute to the development of the local economy and encourage the return of the population to the island. Based on the knowledge gathered on the nearby island of Vis, educational methods for the rational use of water from karst aquifers would also be developed.

Objective of the project and expected result:
The main objective of the project is to identify a potential aquifer on the island of Biševo through hydrogeological research in order to provide the island with drinking water of appropriate quality and quantity.

The discovery of a usable aquifer would improve the quality of life of the local population on Biševo and support the development of agriculture and tourism based on the rational use of natural resources, as well as the valorisation of the rich geological heritage through education of residents and visitors.

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Total value of the project: 22,903.50 EUR (25,000.00$)

Grant funding: 22,903.50 EUR (25,000.00$)

Implementation period: 9.2024. - 9.2025.

Contact: geopark@geopark-vis.com

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This project is funded within the framework of the UNESCO and abrdn Charitable Foundation (AcF) partnership, “Promoting sustainable development through UNESCO programmes and sites.

The content of this text is the sole responsibility of the Association Geopark Viški Archipelago and under no circumstances can it be regarded as reflecting the views of UNESCO or the abrdn Charitable Foundation (aCF).

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