GEI Consultants Showcases U.S. Expertise at Italian Water Convention

March 25, 2025 | Bari, Italy

GEI recently joined an international stage at the Italian Water Convention in Bari, Italy, contributing to a global dialogue around water quality and sustainability. The event—held at the iconic Palazzo dell’Acqua, home of the Acquedotto Pugliese (AQP)—was organized by the UNESCO Clubs of Bisceglie and Bari, Porta d’Oriente, and the Italian Society of Environmental Geology (SIGEA) in celebration of World Water Day.

The theme, “Water Quality: Protection and Conservation of Water in a Scenario of International Dialogue,” attracted participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders—including academic institutions, professional associations, government entities, and community organizations—elevating the importance of international cooperation in solving today’s most urgent water challenges.

GEI’s Voice in the Conversation

Representing GEI was Dr. Solidea Bonina, PFAS Subject Matter Expert, who delivered a featured presentation:
“Sustainable Water Resource Management and Cooperation Between Countries.”

Dr. Bonina’s  presentation focused on the vital role of sustainability in water resource management—offering a comparative perspective between Italy and the United States and spotlighting water and environmental projects, opportunities for cross-border collaboration.

She outlined several key strategies, including:

• Conservation and efficiency technologies, such as wastewater recycling and drip irrigation—common in Italian agriculture and increasingly adopted in U.S. regions facing water scarcity;
• Source water protection, emphasizing the need for policy, regulation, and sustainable practices to prevent pollution and overuse;
• Ecosystem restoration, with wetlands and watersheds cited as natural assets critical to long-term water cycle resilience;
• Leakage detection and reduction, leveraging smart sensors and AI to improve efficiency in water networks;
• Wastewater reuse for non-potable purposes, reducing demand on freshwater supplies;
• Stormwater capture and reuse, especially in urban settings where infrastructure stress is high;
• Digital innovation, including real-time monitoring systems, AI, and big data tools to improve operations and forecasting;
• Community engagement, education, and cross-cultural awareness as foundational to achieving lasting success in water management initiatives.

“Sustainable water resource management is about protecting today’s needs without compromising the needs of future generations,” Dr. Bonina said. “It’s a shared goal that transcends borders—and the power of collaboration is essential to our collective success.”

A Strategic Presence

GEI’s involvement was not only well-received—it was strategic. With extensive media coverage in outlets such as Ambiente Ambienti, Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, Il Pensiero Mediterraneo, Bari Sera News, Puglia Live, Il Corriere PL, and Bat Sera, Dr. Bonina’s participation raised GEI’s profile as a trusted high-qualified global partner in water and environmental solutions.

GEI’s approach to integrated water management planning, groundwater sustainability, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure design was highlighted as a model with strong international application potential—particularly in regions like Southern Italy that share similar challenges around drought, infrastructure aging, and pollution mitigation.

Panel discussions at the event further explored innovations in water management technology, flood resilience strategies, and the role of public awareness campaigns. Networking opportunities allowed for meaningful exchanges between GEI and leaders from Italian and European water agencies, academic institutions, and sustainability nonprofits.

Looking Ahead

GEI remains committed to advancing water resilience across borders. Following the convention, key areas of focus include:

• Expanding international collaborations to co-develop water quality and conservation projects;
• Investing in innovation to implement cutting-edge technologies and strategies for sustainable water management, particularly around digital tools and integrated infrastructure solutions;
• Engaging communities through educational programming, mentorships, and local partnerships;
• Advocating for policy, supporting global efforts aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Bonina’s quote to close the event— “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” —perfectly captured the theme of the day: that collective action is the only way forward.