WDC Hosts Fifth Webinar in its Learning Series Titled “The Effective Use of Groundwater Resources and the Importance of Recharge for the Development of These Resources.”
The Water Diplomacy Center (WDC) at Jordan University of Science and Technology successfully hosted the fifth webinar in its WDC Learning Webinar Series, titled “The Effective Use of Groundwater Resources and the Importance of Recharge for the Development of These Resources." The webinar was held online on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and featured an insightful presentation by Prof. Dr. Alper Baba, Head of the International Water Resources Department, Izmir Institute of Technology.
During the webinar, Prof. Baba highlighted the growing importance of groundwater resources in addressing global water security challenges, particularly in regions facing increasing water scarcity. His presentation focused on the sustainable use of groundwater and the critical role of recharge processes in maintaining and developing these resources.
Drawing on his extensive research and professional experience, Prof. Baba discussed global water usage patterns across agriculture, industry, and domestic sectors, noting that agriculture accounts for the largest share of water consumption in many countries. He also explored historical and modern approaches to water resource management, emphasizing the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
The presentation further addressed challenges related to groundwater quality, particularly in agricultural regions where chemical contamination may affect aquifers. Prof. Baba introduced several methods used to estimate groundwater recharge rates, including water balance approaches and chloride concentration analysis. He also highlighted practical techniques for enhancing groundwater recharge, such as constructing recharge ponds and ensuring proper treatment of water before its injection into aquifers.
The webinar concluded with an engaging discussion session in which participants raised questions about groundwater supply and recharge methods in arid and semi-arid regions. Prof. Baba shared examples from his work and provided insights into effective strategies for improving groundwater management.
The webinar brought together WDC Fellows, graduate students, and participants from national and international organizations, contributing to WDC's mission to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen capacity in water resources management and water diplomacy. This webinar was organized as part of the Blue Peace Middle East Capacity Development Project, funded by the Swiss Government.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7FEuYk4ZdY
