Potential land use changes and wildfires effects over the spatiotemporal distribution of groundwater recharge at a regional scale: RAPReHS indicator accounting for SDG-13 in Bolivia

Having knowledge of spatiotemporal groundwater recharge is crucial for optimizing regional water management practices. However, the lack of consistent ground hydrometeorological data at regional and global scales has led to the use of alternative proxies and indicators to estimate impacts on groundwater recharge, enabling effective management of future water resources. This study explores the impact of land use changes and wildfires on groundwater recharge at a regional scale in Bolivia, using an alternative indicator to estimate variations in groundwater recharge rates. Based on a study by de Freitas L. in 2021, the methodology developed the annual groundwater recharge reduction rate (RAPReHS) utilizing remotely sensed data from the FLDAS and TERRACLIMATE datasets. The RAPReHS employs a simplified version of the water balance equation, estimating direct vertical groundwater recharge by considering the difference between precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff. The methodology was upscaled to improve data processing and analysis efficiency using an open-source cloud-computing platform (Google Earth Engine) over a 20-year period. The first results reveal a strong correlation between decreasing groundwater recharge rates and natural vegetation in the eastern region. By utilizing the RAPReHS index, forest preservation strategies can be prioritized. This study is in the framework of SDG 13 (Climate Action), which aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the environment and society. By exploring the impact of land use changes and wildfires on groundwater recharge at a regional scale in Bolivia, this research contributes to the inclusion of groundwater in policy guidelines for sustainable water management