Large interest in the technical meeting on Managed Aquifer Recharge

On 27.02.2025, CRMGG invited a diverse group of stakeholders of national authorities (DWRM), local authorities (DONREs), water supply companies and international actors (Deltares, IUCN, WWF) to learn about the experiences of the CRMGG project at the two Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) pilot sites.

High interest in the MAR topic gathered a large group of stakeholders.

Group photo at the end of the workshop.

Ms. Anke Steinel (CRMGG) also presented recommendations for upscaling of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in confined aquifers of the Mekong Delta. An overall MAR feasibility assessment was presented by Mr. Pham Ba Quyen (NAWAPI) and the current regulatory framework for MAR was introduced by Mr. Pham Van Tuan (DWRM). The discussion on opportunities and challenges for MAR upscaling showed that MAR is a technically feasible solution to support sustainable groundwater management that could be applied in many areas of the Mekong Delta if sufficient source water is available. However, financial incentives would be needed for upscaling, as even though MAR is a cost-effective method compared to other options like reservoirs or long-distance pipelines, it is obviously more expensive than just extracting more groundwater. Participants also articulated that more practical guidance is needed on the implementation of MAR schemes and more details are needed with respect to the legal requirements.

Presentation by Ms Anke Steinel on experiences from ASR pilots in Hau Giang.

In the afternoon, Mr. Marnix van der Vat (Deltares) gave insights from the Dutch research project AquaConnect. Mr. Robert Bower (IUCN) provided an overview of MAR as a proven tool applied successfully international and planned for the CMDA project. And Mr. Huynh Quoc Tinh (WWF) introduced the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development, which could also be used for MAR projects.

Mr. Willem Timmerman (Embassy of the Netherlands) emphasized that there are a number of initiatives already, which would benefit from closer coordination and that donors also need some more practical guidance on how to successfully support the upscaling of MAR.

Dr. Trieu Duc Huy (NAWAPI) concluded that we have the tools to manage MAR and if the provinces are willing, we should now implement MAR according the Mekong Delta regional  plan and the Integrated plan for the Mekong River Basin.