1. Björn Klöve Bioforsk-Norway University of Oulu-Finland
GENESIS - Groundwater and Dependent Ecosystems: New Scientific and Technical Basis for Assessing Climate Change and Land-use Impacts on Groundwater Systems
Björn Klöve
Bioforsk-Norway
University of Oulu-Finland

2. Content of presentation
Project background (Bioforsk, UOULU)
Participants and roles
GENESIS main objectives and approach
Expected impact
Future events

3. GENSIS in Facts and Figures
25 partners: 15 universities, 8 research institutes and 2 SME
Advisory board 5 members
Balázs Horvath - EU DG Environment, Ariane Blum - BRGM: French Geological Survey, Juhani Gustafsson- SYKE- the Finnish Environment Institute, Rob Ward - UK Environment Agency, Johannes Grath - Umweltbundesamt Austria, Leader of the Groundwater working group C, Björn Klöve -Bioforsk (Chairperson),
13 EU states, 4 Associated states
Multidisciplinary proposal
Research proposal that provides the scientific basis for the update of the EU GWD
Budget 10 M€ with EU finance 7M€
Duration 5 years (from )
Co-ordinated by Bioforsk, Norway

5. Background history Bioforsk,UOULU
foto P.Snilsberg

6. GENSIS at a glance
Provides the scientific basis for the update of the EU GWD by developing tools for groundwater modelling and assessment
Provides:
knowledge on different groundwater systems
methods to determine flowpaths and residence time
better understanding of leaching processes through the unsaturated zone to groundwater and groundwater contamination
knowledge on groundwater dependent ecosystems
tools for modeling and assessment
integrated management considering sociological, legal and economic aspects
dissemination of knowledge (publications, courses, seminars)

7. GENESIS concept
Scientific research is needed to improve the understanding of how different drivers affect groundwater systems. New process understanding must be incorporated into mathematical models and assessment tools. Scenarios will be simulated to assess impacts in an integrated way taking account of uncertainties present in such simulations.

8. Case Study Aquifers

9. Work packages

10. Expected impact of the project

11. More knowledge on how GW changes impact ecosystems
Natural state water balance
Regional drainage water balance

12. Protection of ecosystems dependent on groundwater

13. Future steps
WP1 - Information on case studies from each location, prepare startegy on data sharing
Measurement protocols for each site
data needs for modelling
tracer studies
WP3
start measurements
GWD Annex II - A common document will be prepared on GWD needs and GENESIS input
Ecosystems
hydrology – mathematical code review – measurements
ecology – indicator methods to detect vulnerable sites, impact of land use, environmental quality (status) in Finland
extend the collaboration with other groups (Pan-European database?)
Modelling methods
review methods used by partners
develop a common platform
Management studies in WP6
site selection
meeting in July

14. Summary and future events
GENESIS is a scientific research project that support the GWD development
Action lists in preparation for the whole project and individual WPs that show the way for the next months
Future conferences, cources and workshops open for all with GENESIS input
IWA conference Greece – July water economy
GENESIS seminar and PhD course on tracer use in groundwater systems: Munich June 2010
IAH conference 2010 Cracow
Ground water dependent ecosystems – time not yet decided, please follow
Thank you for your attention!