Initiating collective action for the management of deep confined aquifer systems: application of a participatory scenario approach in France

Large deep confined aquifer systems play a crucial role for water and food security and the economic development of rural areas. However, there are few cases, worldwide, of integrated management and governance of such groundwater resources. This report first investigates factors that hamper stakeholders’ involvement in groundwater management, in particular deep confined aquifer systems that extend over a large regional area. It then shows how participatory scenario analysis can be used to trigger collective action by regional actors. The report relies on the case study of a large confined aquifer in South West France impacted by multiple pressures from the drinking water, energy, agriculture, and health sectors. It is shown how participatory scenario analysis contributed to building a shared understanding of the resource amongst regional actors and generated a collective view of the main groundwater management challenges. Results also suggest that engaging stakeholders in futures thinking at the beginning of the participatory process is a powerful approach to generating a commitment for collective action on groundwater.