BRGM contributes to the dialogue between science and society. To this end, it organises meetings in the regions, to provide opportunities for outreach and discussion. In Guadeloupe, a meeting was held on 21 December 2016 in Petit-Bourg.

As a public institution for research and expert studies, BRGM contributes to the dialogue between science and society in its different fields. 

Establishing a dialogue with civil society representatives in the French regions 

BRGM's regional representatives organise meetings with representatives of civil society groups to discuss regional environmental questions relating to BRGM's areas of expertise and on which papers and articles have been published. 

These meetings provide opportunities for open and constructive discussions. They stimulate exchanges of knowledge - or of knowledge "gaps” - questions from all parties and the expression of their expectations, while observing the ethical principles that guarantee transparency and trust and preserve the independent judgement of all concerned. 

Summary of the meeting held at Petit-Bourg on 21 December 2016 

Topic on the agenda 

Groundwater in Guadeloupe: distribution, uses and monitoring. 

Date and venue 

Wednesday, 21 December 2016 at BRGM Guadeloupe Regional Division in Petit-Bourg, followed by a field trip to Capesterre-Belle-Eau. 

Agenda 

Presentation of BRGM's missions and more specifically of its contribution to the management of groundwater resources in Guadeloupe: 

  • distribution of water resources in the region; 
  • current and potential uses; 
  • monitoring set up for the protection and sustainable management of groundwater. 
  • Organisation of a field trip followed by discussion with the participants. 
  • Discussion on the topic and related challenges for the region 

Participants 

10 participants, respectively from the following organisations: 

  • Ilot Randos; 
  • Amicale des Anciens de Capesterre Nord (AACN); 
  • Evasion Nautique de Morne à L’eau; 
  • Association Conseil Environnement Développement Durable (ACED) (advisory association for sustainable development and environmental issues); 
  • Forêt Privée (private forest owners' group); 
  • Association of Mountain Guides and Tour Leaders. 

Participants' expectations and questions, discussions 

This meeting on "Groundwater in Guadeloupe: allocation, uses and monitoring" adopted an innovative approach by including a field trip during which issues were discussed relating to the allocation of water resources in the region, their current and potential uses and the monitoring set up for the protection and sustainable management of groundwater. The missions of the Guadeloupe Regional Division were presented, and more specifically its contribution to the management of the island's groundwater resources.