Sustainable management of the planet\u2019s water resources is essential if the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to be achieved. However, failures in water governance at many levels are making water scarcity and pollution worse in many parts of the world, particularly in the Global South. These problems are especially acute for groundwater. Aquifers are a major source of water for cities, industries and irrigated farmland globally, and a critical resource for adaptation to climate change. However, the \u2018invisibility\u2019 of groundwater and the large size of many aquifers have made it difficult to govern. The growing use of groundwater \u2013 due to cheaper well-drilling technology and more affordable pump sets \u2013 combined with climate change, population growth, land use change and increasing food demand have led to groundwater degradation, as well as depletion through excessive use and the destruction of catchment areas. Poorer communities often struggle to maintain access to groundwater, even for basic needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the past decade, WLE has been instrumental in advancing an understanding of the challenges facing sustainable and equitable groundwater governance, and the ways in which they can be overcome. In addition to conducting research on aquifers in Africa<\/a>, Asia<\/a>, the Middle East<\/a> and the USA<\/a>, WLE has been instrumental in the development of the novel global Groundwater Solutions Initiative for Policy and Practice (GRIPP)<\/a>. WLE has also worked with many organizations on strengthening groundwater governance, including the African Minister\u2019s Council on Water (AMCOW)<\/a>, and has collaborated with partners to develop a citizen science project<\/a> and innovative learning tools, such as experiential games<\/a>, to strengthen the social inclusion of initiatives designed to improve groundwater use and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n