ClimEx-PE Researchers Present Nature-Based Groundwater Recharge Methods at the Carpathian Basin Summer University

From 9 to 11 July 2025, the 28th Carpathian Basin Summer University was held at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, offering free academic programs for Hungarian-speaking university students from across the region. This year’s central theme, “Bridges – between people, countries, and researchers”, encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.

As part of the event, ClimEx-PE project researchers contributed to the program with a session titled “Education and Promotion of Nature-Based Groundwater Recharge Methods within the ClimEx-PE Project.” The session was led by Attila Varga and Levente Álmos Szőcs from the Institute of Environmental Psychology and Human–Environment Transactions (ELTE PPK), and Andrea Velich from the Faculty of Humanities (ELTE BTK).

The presentation highlighted how the ClimEx-PE project integrates scientific knowledge of groundwater flow systems with the climate adaptation needs of water management. Special emphasis was placed on the Nature-Based – Managed Aquifer Recharge (NaBa-MAR®) methodology, developed under the leadership of Judit Mádl-Szőnyi at ELTE TTK. This European trademark-protected approach offers an innovative, sustainable solution for targeted groundwater replenishment in response to climate change.

In addition to the technical aspects, the session also addressed the importance of public awareness and societal engagement in groundwater protection. The presenters emphasized how citizens can contribute to the responsible management of groundwater resources through informed attitudes and actions.