From May 12-16 2025, the University of the Western Cape in collaboration with the University of Namibia, conducted a joint groundwater field school in the Western Cape of South Africa as part of the human capacity development component of ACEWATER III Project.

This blended training course focused on applications of groundwater modelling techniques in transboundary aquifer systems, providing participants with both theoretical understanding and practical skills needed for reliable interpretation of model outputs for decision support.

The programme targets junior professionals, technicians from river basin organisations, ACEWATER III project partners, postgraduate scholars, and other key stakeholders. Female participants were strongly encouraged to apply as part of efforts to promote gender equality in the field.

Participants are developing valuable expertise in conceptual, analytical, and numerical modelling approaches through hands-on activities. The collaboration between these academic institutions, along with the CSIR South Africa, demonstrates a strong regional commitment to sustainable groundwater management across shared aquifer systems.

This field school represents an important milestone in the implementation of the ACEWATER III project’s capacity development objectives for transboundary water resource management in Africa.

The research and capacity development activities are undertaken within the framework of the ACEWATER III project, which is funded by the European Commission.