On 21 October 2026, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) participated in the EIT Water Central & Danube Forum, hosted by TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology). The event brought together water sector stakeholders from Central Europe and the Danube region to discuss shared water challenges, strengthen regional cooperation, and explore opportunities for innovation.

During the poster session, Anita Erőss, ELTE researcher and university coordinator for EIT Water, presented NaBa-MAR^® (Nature-based Managed Aquifer Recharge).

While traditional managed aquifer recharge focuses on storing excess water underground, NaBa-MAR^® goes a step further by harnessing natural groundwater flow systems to extend the benefits of recharge across the landscape. By combining surface and subsurface water retention, the approach aims to transform temporary water excess into long-term water security and climate resilience.

The potential applications range from improved urban stormwater management and sustainable agricultural water resources to reduced industrial water footprints and the restoration of groundwater-dependent ecosystems. 

Presenting NaBa-MAR^® at the EIT Water Central & Danube Forum provided an opportunity to showcase the scientific approach underpinning ClimEx-PE to an international network of researchers, innovators, and water sector professionals, and to explore potential partnerships for further demonstration, validation, and scale-up.