Groundwater is a key resource, despite often being invisible, that sustains water supply, agriculture, and ecosystems. In a context of climate change and growing water demand, understanding how to manage it sustainably is more important than ever. For this reason, ICRA and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Girona (UdG) organized the course “Groundwater Challenges for the 21st Century” (GWC21), which took place in Girona from April 13th to 17th.

The course, organized within the framework of the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) of the Erasmus+ program, combined theoretical training, field work, and international exchange. The initiative included the participation of students and faculty from UdG, ICRA, and four leading European institutions: the Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (Austria), the University of Stuttgart (Germany), H2O’Lyon (France), and the Hogeschool Odisee (Belgium).

Throughout the week, this international team of students and lecturers explored critical areas such as sustainable exploitation and groundwater quality, its environmental impacts, the key role that aquifers play during drought episodes, and water governance from a social dimension. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and move towards a more resilient and sustainable management of water resources.