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-BAW-Eder.jpg/jcr:content/Gems%20Projekttreffen%201%20(c)%20BAW-Eder.jpg "Transnational GEMS project meeting on the topic \"Groundwater quality and pollution\" held on the premises of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management.")
© BAW/Eder zoom gallery -
-BAW-Eder.jpg/jcr:content/Gems%20Projekttreffen%202%20(c)%20BAW-Eder.jpg "Presentation of the nitrate monitoring network operated by the Federal Agency for Water Management in the Marchfeld region, at monitoring site M3 in Rutzendorf.")
© BAW/Eder zoom gallery -
-BAW-Eder.jpg/jcr:content/Gems%20Projekttreffen%203%20(c)%20BAW-Eder.jpg "Excursion Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park: Participants gained direct insights into the ecologically significant salt pans, a habitat for unique flora and fauna that is strongly influenced by groundwater dynamics.")
© BAW/Eder zoom gallery
The Federal Agency For Water Management (BAW) hosted the third transnational meeting of the GEMS project, which took place in Vienna at the end of May with the participation of seven European partner institutions. The project aims to achieve a sustainable reduction of nitrate levels in groundwater.
The meeting began with expert presentations on national aspects related to the nitrate issue. Building on this, participating countries presented established measures for nitrate reduction implemented in their respective regions. These "good practices" ranged from precise fertilizer application and monitoring approaches to targeted policy instruments. The strategic planning of the upcoming project phases was then discussed.
On the second day, participants went on a field trip to learn more about the nitrate monitoring network operated by BAW in the Marchfeld region. Another program highlight was the visit to the Betriebsgesellschaft Marchfeldkanal, which is responsible for managing the canal system. The meeting concluded with a visit to the Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park Centre, where the influence of groundwater on the saline wetland ecosystem was explored.