TDA main Activities

The production of the TDA will require five main Activities.

Hydrogeological and environmental characterization of the DIKTAS, harmonized across the countries sharing the aquifer, and based on existing and accessible information. The results will be presented synoptically in a suite of thematic maps both at detailed scale (Pilot Maps for replication by the countries) and at regional scale (Map of the Dinaric Karst Aquifer System). This map will include indications of the most vulnerable aquifer recharge zones and of the land use capacity and restrictions.
Regional assessment of the present environmental conditions of the karst water resource: quality – quantity, including identification of main hot spots of pollution and of over-extraction; vulnerability mapping of karst aquifer formations; health of dependent ecosystems, including rivers, lakes and coastal marine waters and habitats; climatic conditions and variability; distribution of population; existing and planned infrastructure and human activities (reservoirs, tunnels, industry, waste disposal facilities, agricultural activities, etc.) that are impacting or might impact karst groundwater flows and quality.
Regional assessment of karst water demand, and of policy context. This will consist in an estimate, consolidated at the regional level, of present and foreseen demand, and in a critical review of the existing policy, legal and institutional conditions related to water and land use management. This work will highlight the threats posed to the resource by excessive or conflicting demands and water uses, and by inadequate, missing, non-harmonized policy and institutional frameworks.
Preparation of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Pilot Demonstration Areas. The work for the preparation and finalization of the TDA will be based on the results of the joint fact-finding Activities 1, 2, 3 described above. Countries, within the context of the facilitating action of the project, will proceed to identify all major issues of concern, or stresses, presently affecting or might affect the DIKTAS and their causes. As a second step, they will differentiate between those concerns/issues of exclusive national responsibility, from those that instead are transboundary in nature and can only be tackled through concerted international action. The TDA will finally lead to the identification of priority interventions which are needed to address underlying/root causes.
Testing of management models or approaches at the local level with increased awareness, improved management capacity, and knowledge generated and utilized by local communities. Local communities around the Dinaric Karst Aquifer are closest to and dependent on the Aquifer ecosystem for generations and hold valuable knowledge of the characteristics and features of the ecosystem. The integrity of the ecosystem is critical to the livelihood of the local communities. They should be one of the ultimate users of the project results that will help to rationalize their activities for better environmental management, since these activities pose immediate and direct impact on the ecosystem. The project will pilot some small-scale projects to test and demonstrate management models at the local level.