Implementation of a freshwater lens assessment protocol on karst islands

Karst islands like those found in the Philippine Archipelago present extreme challenges for stakeholders to manage their water resources in a sustainable manner. Anthropogenic Climate Change, land development, point source pollution and increased population have all combined to alter the water balance on these fragile islands. Karst features, shallow depth to groundwater and the potential for dissolution, contribute greatly to these challenges. Combined, these factors pose an array of complex research questions. Field implementation of a Freshwater Lens Assessment Protocol (FLAP) was initiated on Bantayan Island in August 2017. Field mapping, well surveying, groundwater sampling and laboratory analysis have been completed for the first quarter of the yearlong study. Through the application of current groundwater characterization practices the research posits a novel approach for these hydrogeological environs. Through applying FLAP credible output for the characterization of the islands groundwater resources will be determined and integrated into an Adaptive Water Resource Management framework, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions on sustainable abstraction strategies