Abstract

As water scarcity intensifies globally due to climate change and growing demand, Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is increasingly recognized as a vital nature-based strategy for sustainable groundwater management. Yet, its implementation remains insufficiently adopted in many water-stressed regions. This study addresses the critical gap in understanding the socio-technical and institutional barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of MAR, focusing on Chile-one of Latin America's most water-stressed country. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating qualitative policy analysis, quantitative case study evaluations, and a semi-systematic review of 70 international publications. Key findings reveal persistent challenges, including limited hydrogeological data, weak institutional coordination and lack of clear quality standards. The 15 MAR initiatives analyzed in Chile show wide variation in design, scale, and implementation context. Success often depends on local hydrogeological knowledge, active involvement from water users and sustained institutional support. In-ternational case studies illustrate that, while some challenges are highly context-specific, others-such as low public awareness, regulatory gaps regarding water reuse, and insufficient monitoring-are widespread across diverse geographic and institutional settings. This study provides a comprehensive framework for overcoming barriers to MAR implementation, highlighting the importance of adaptive legal frameworks, scientific moni-toring and proactive stakeholder engagement. Based on Chilean and international experience, the study proposes a sequenced set of short-, medium-, and long-term policy recommendations to guide MAR development. The insights gained offer valuable guidance for countries worldwide seeking to enhance water security through strategic groundwater management. Future research should focus on developing adaptive governance models and mechanisms for sustained stakeholder collaboration.