Image of several people in a field posing beside several posters for a training workshop. Behind them is a large drone marked

Taking Flight .

“This initiative is a good reflection of what goes on underground — the aquifer is one system that is well-coordinated beyond political boundaries."

Dr. Nkobi Moleele, RESILIM Chief Scientist

"[Groundwater] is key to water security, climate resilience and prosperity — but only if continuously managed and protected and used wisely in conjunction with surface water supplies and other secondary resources, like treated wastewater. This is where this project comes in.”

Dr. Karen Villholth, Principal Researcher at the International Water Management Institute

Looking Forward

RIMS has a lot to offer, and organizations in southern Africa are making the most of it. As of October 2016, XRI Blue was interpreting the survey data to create a 3D conceptual model of the aquifer. This model will allow scientists to better understand how the aquifer functions in terms of water storage and sustainable exploitation. It will also help national governments develop a joint strategic action plan for managing the aquifer to enhance water security.

More broadly, these groups are learning how to collaborate in a way that will lead to better governance of groundwater resources in the Limpopo River Basin. The information gathered from RIMS will influence how local governments can maximize the economic opportunities that the aquifer provides and improve the livelihoods of communities who depend on it.

“This initiative is a good reflection of what goes on underground — the aquifer is one system that is well-coordinated beyond political boundaries,” explained Dr. Nkobi Moleele, the chief scientist on the RESILIM project. “On the surface, we now see the two countries (Botswana and South Africa) actively engaged in putting in place mechanisms to facilitate cooperation on the use and management of the aquifer as one system, for improved resilience of community livelihoods and ecosystems.”