IAH national chapters in Spain, Portugal and South America celebrated World Water Day on 22 March with Hydrogeodía, a series of free local events that raise awareness of groundwater and the profession of the hydrogeologist.
Australia NC invited all to sign the Indigenous Groundwater Declaration: “We recognise and reaffirm that each respective Nation holds their own cultural and spiritual identity, songs, dances, and stories, which are expressions of their connections to their lands”.
China NC followed the successful 2022 IAH Congress at China Geology University, Wuhan, where more than 400 experts from over 40 countries took part, with their annual meeting on the theme of ‘Groundwater, health and green development’, with more than 500 participants.
India NC established an E-Newsletter and E-Journal, augmenting its many scientific and technical events, including Special Session of INCIAH in association with 108th Indian Science Congress, a monthly series of lectures and a groundwater internship programme promoting development of field-related skills for younger members.
Other events took place across the world, including:
- the Australasian Groundwater Conference in New Zealand, a collaboration between the New Zealand and Australian chapters, and the New Zealand Hydrological Society
- the Canadian NC partnered with the Canadian Geotechnical Society for their annual conference (https://geosaskatoon2023.ca/)
- The Italian NC held its FLOWPATH meeting with Malta’s Energy and Water Agency in Valetta, with 150 attendees.
- Japan NC held a joint meeting with the Japanese Association of Groundwater Hydrology, with 150 participants in-person and online meeting.
- Mexico NC held roundtables for women involved in managing groundwater.
- Spain NC ran courses on “Surface Water – Groundwater Interaction: from watershed processes to hyporheic exchange” and a technical conference on geothermal energy and hydrogeology.
- Lebanon NC prepared activities for network building and participation in the national and international water community.
There were proposals for new national chapters in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Mozambique, Peru and Zimbabwe, with discussions taking place in Niger and Mozambique.