Unlocking the Mekong Region’s Hidden Groundwater Potential: A Collaborative Learning Experience
Fifteen fellows from Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand recently visited the CLLMM Research Centre as part of the Flinders University led, Unlocking Mekong Region’s Hidden Groundwater Potential through Collaboration and Capacity Building (Mekong) program. This unique fellowship initiative is supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Australian Award Fellowship Program.
Over a three-week period, the fellows have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Australia’s world-class research and practices of groundwater/water management. Their visit to the CLLMM Research Centre was a highlight of the program, providing an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange on critical issues such as sustainable water resources, climate mitigation and adaptation and regional cooperation through community and First Nations people.
As part of their training program, the fellows went on a 4-day field trip lead by Steve Barnett from the SA Department for Environment and Water. They visited the Loxton One Basin CRC Hub and the Brackish Groundwater Desalination project. A site visit to Parilla Premium Potatoes provided them an insight into a successful horticultural business that relies solely on groundwater. They also visited the SA Department for Environment and Water receiving an overview of groundwater monitoring, groundwater dependent ecosystems and management in South Australia.
