Tackling water security by Identifying fresh water sources to support a sustainable local economy.
The quest for fresh groundwater. A sustainable solution for Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark;
The site is tackling water security by fostering environmental stewardship, educating its communities, and identifying fresh water sources to support a sustainable local economy.
Nestled in the Adriatic Sea, along Croatia’s coast, the Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark is considered one of the Mediterranean’s last paradise oases. Yet, Biševo, one of its islands, faces a critical water shortage.
Disconnected from the mainland water system and lacking its own freshwater source, the island relies on imported plastic bottled water. This scarcity drives socio-economic challenges, from depopulation to obstacles to sustainable development, and environmental stressors such as plastic pollution and forest fires.
A promising solution emerged. The neighbouring island of Vis benefits from a karst aquifer, a stable underground water source. Inspired by this, the Vis Archipelago Geopark Association launched the project ‘Research, protection and sustainable use of fresh groundwater of the Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark’. Selected within the 3rd cycle of the UNESCO and Aberdeen Group Charitable Foundation (ACF) partnership, the project analysed geological data and successfully confirmed the presence of a viable karst aquifer on Biševo, setting the stage for sustainable and rational use of freshwater resources.
Towards a sustainable economy and environment
Once a thriving hub for vineyards, Biševo now struggles with freshwater scarcity and invasive plant species that deplete fertile soil, making agriculture extremely difficult. Identifying a local water supply was crucial to prevent soil degradation and revive cultivation.
The team, including Staša Borović, Josip Terzić, Marco Polo and Ivan Kosović, mapped karst features, springs, wells, and cisterns, while analysing hydrological and hydrochemical data. They pinpointed exploratory sites and outlined practical extraction and distribution methods.
This research marked a key step in understanding the dynamics of groundwater in Biševo. The study laid the foundation for a sustainable water supply and contributed to the sustainable management of water resources and the protection of the local ecosystems.
Disconnected from the mainland water system and lacking its own freshwater source, the island relies on imported plastic bottled water. This scarcity drives socio-economic challenges, from depopulation to obstacles to sustainable development, and environmental stressors such as plastic pollution and forest fires.
A promising solution emerged. The neighbouring island of Vis benefits from a karst aquifer, a stable underground water source. Inspired by this, the Vis Archipelago Geopark Association launched the project ‘Research, protection and sustainable use of fresh groundwater of the Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark’. Selected within the 3rd cycle of the UNESCO and Aberdeen Group Charitable Foundation (ACF) partnership, the project analysed geological data and successfully confirmed the presence of a viable karst aquifer on Biševo, setting the stage for sustainable and rational use of freshwater resources.
Towards a sustainable economy and environment
Once a thriving hub for vineyards, Biševo now struggles with freshwater scarcity and invasive plant species that deplete fertile soil, making agriculture extremely difficult. Identifying a local water supply was crucial to prevent soil degradation and revive cultivation.
The team, including Staša Borović, Josip Terzić, Marco Polo and Ivan Kosović, mapped karst features, springs, wells, and cisterns, while analysing hydrological and hydrochemical data. They pinpointed exploratory sites and outlined practical extraction and distribution methods.
This research marked a key step in understanding the dynamics of groundwater in Biševo. The study laid the foundation for a sustainable water supply and contributed to the sustainable management of water resources and the protection of the local ecosystems.
Educating the next generation on karst aquifers
Across 24 workshops, the project also engaged 93 local schoolchildren from kindergartens, elementary, and high schools, teaching them about the island’s limited drinking water, rainfall dependency, and karst aquifers. Hands-on learning emphasised water conservation, recycling, and responsible consumption.
Students explored 4 geolocations - Zlopolje, Milna, Lokva, and Korita - connecting natural processes with daily life. They visited the pumping station, learnt about the island’s digital water monitoring system, and even tasted water drawn from 120 metres underground.
To support ongoing education, 4 informational panels were installed at the hydrogeological sites, and a digital textbook on local hydrogeology was made publicly available, particularly for teachers and educators. The project also highlighted the role of women in geoscience, including the leadership of project coordinator Dr. Staša Borović and workshop facilitator Lana Schmidt.
Integrating environmental education into local curricula encourages youth understanding of climate change and paves the way for the next generation of environmentally conscious stewards.
Building a water-conscious community
For Biševo’s residents, particularly those with limited resources, resolving the water supply issue is a matter of survival. Strengthening water security promises to reverse depopulation trends, revitalise the local economy, and boost community resilience.
Local residents were actively involved through field discussions, ensuring their voices shaped the project.
With strong local involvement, the project proved to be a practical and community-endorsed solution in Biševo. Collaboration with a local guide, Zoran Demarie, enabled access to remote research sites and logistical support despite challenging terrain conditions.
By engaging the local community, including vulnerable groups, the initiative not only addressed immediate water needs, but also strengthened long-term social inclusion, environmental awareness, and resilience on the island.
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