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Cape Flats Living Lab Hosts Its Second Event on Technology Demonstrations and Societal Engagement

Cape Flats Living Lab Hosts Its Second Event on Technology Demonstrations and Societal Engagement

On 28 January 2025, MAR2PROTECT hosted a successful Technology Demonstration and Societal Engagement Co-Design Event at the Cape Flats Aquifer Living Lab in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Held at Stellenbosch University and Uva Mira Wine Farm, the event gathered national, provincial and municipal goverment representatives connected to groundwater management and monitoring and key stakeholders from the water and agricultural sector to explore innovative groundwater management solutions.

The event featured demonstrations of the MAR2PROTECT technologies being developed by the Stellenbosch University Water Institute. Attendees also collaborated on co-designing societal engagement activities focused on groundwater protection, emphasizing the importance of involving local communities in the process.

This collaborative effort laid the foundation for future civil society engagement activities and showcased the potential of nature-based solutions in improving groundwater management. The event marked an important step forward in ensuring the long-term success of the Living Lab and its impact on sustainable water management in the region.

Take a look at the photos taken!

MAR2PROTECT Launches Cape Flats LivingLab in South Africa

MAR2PROTECT Launches Cape Flats LivingLab in South Africa

MAR2PROTECT has successful launched the Cape Flats LivingLab in South Africa during the last week. The event was proudly hosted by the Stellenbosch University Water Institute in collaboration with the City of Cape Town.

The Cape Flats LivingLab event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from academia, the public sector, and the private sector. Participants included key figures public government, agronomists, farmers, and other relevant parties.

The discussions at the event revolved around the successes and challenges in groundwater management within the Cape Flats Aquifer. Additionally, the event highlighted the innovative technologies and activities developed by MAR2PROTECT. The focus extended to exploring the role and future prospects of a MAR2PROTECT LivingLab in the local context.

 MAR2PROTECT seeks to save the world’s groundwater from contamination through an innovative and holistic approach.  This research project brings together two main strategies, the M-AI-R tool and LivingLabs, to create new approaches for safeguarding groundwater as it becomes more vulnerable in the face of climate change.

The project kicked off in December 2022 and will run for four years. It is funded by the Horizon Europe programme with a total cost of €4.143.681,25. MAR2PROTECT will usher in a new generation of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) that engages stakeholders and enhances both groundwater quality and quantity.