THE 2nd WORKSHOP ON GROUNDWATER BODIES IN EUROPE, BGR-BERLIN, 15-16 DECEMBER 2011
In October 2005, BGR and EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) convened the 1st Workshop on Groundwater Bodies in Europe in Berlin. This workshop was well attended by participants of more than 20 Geological Surveys from member states of the European Union (EU) and beyond (see www.bgr.bund.de/EN/Themen/Wasser/Veranstaltungen/workshop_gwbodies/gwbodies_2005.html). In this workshop it became clear that there was no common methodology for the delineation of groundwater bodies throughout Europe.
Now 6 years later, a wealth of data has been reported by member states (MS) to the European Commission under the Water Framework Directive (WFD)/Groundwater Directive. The European Environment Agency (EEA), although not being legally mandated in these directives, contracted the European Topic Centre Water for Inland, Coastal and Marine waters (ETC/ICM) with a task of preparing a European reference layer for groundwater bodies that would have common value as a data service from the Water data Centre as a part of the Water Information System for Europe (WISE). BGR conducted this task and compiled a report in which the rather heterogeneous data situation is analysed.
The experiences hitherto gained in the delineation of groundwater bodies and the need for harmonising the concepts and approaches encourage EuroGeoSurveys and BGR to convene another meeting in Berlin targeted to the national Geological Surveys in Europe as well as the respective networks of DG ENV (WG C) and EEA (NRCs on groundwater quality).
Groundwater experts from Geological Surveys all over Europe are invited to participate, as well as representatives of the European Commission, the European Environment Agency and the European Topic Centre on inland, coastal and marine waters and their networks.
The Workshop will be held on 15 and 16 December, 2011, full days, at the premises of the BGR branch office in Berlin-Spandau, Wilhelmstrasse 25-30.
The workshop will review the present groundwater situation in Europe and discuss options of harmonising the methodologies, in view of a harmonised reference layer throughout Europe.
Any interest in attending this event should be directed to Dr. Willi Struckmeier of BGR, on +49 511 643 2366 and/or by email to gwb-workshop2011@bgr.de