Socio-hydrogeology and Geoethics—State of the Art and Future Challenges

Abstract

This contribution aims at exploring the nexus between the recently developed discipline of socio-hydrogeology and geoethics. Socio-hydrogeology targets the inclusion of social sciences into hydrogeological assessment, with the overall goal of assessing the reciprocity between people and groundwater. For doing so, it promotes the integration of hydrogeological assessments with tools and activities typical of the social sciences (e.g. social network analysis, social impact assessment, public engagement). A closer look at the social implications of any hydrogeological assessment would not only permit to better frame the research and propose more adequate science-based managed practice, but also to ensure that (still existing) gap between science and society is effectively bridged. Indeed, socio-hydrogeology fosters the development of mutual trust between scientists and concerned stakeholders: a fundamental requisite for the sustainability of any action targeted to the long-term protection of water resources. Socio-hydrogeology hence encourages hydrogeology goes beyond classical sectorial approaches, by looking at ethical, social, and cultural implications of hydrogeological assessments. As a result, they will be capable of promoting new management strategies that will not only based on sound scientific knowledge, but also on the adequate assessment of the social dimension of groundwater.