Background Groundwater is an essential part of the Leningrad region’s economy. Aside from being used as the region’s main water supply and for industrial purposes, it also supports the development of the bottled water industry, which is rapidly growing in the region. Indeed, more than 25 brands of bottled water are currently on the market and used by spas for medical purposes. However, the accumulation of extensive areas of artificial soil and the construction of dams,shale oil mines, and other industrial activities have resulted in serious aquifer contamination. Objectives The Narva GMP project aimed at promoting the sustainable management of groundwater resources on the Russian-Estonian border. Its specific objectives were to: Build environmental capacities by defining and clarifying the various administrative responsibilities for groundwater resources management. Reinforce information analysis capacities by developing appropriate methods for inventorying and assessing past and present pollution sources. Create a pool of well-trained Russian specialists applying project methodology,including cost/benefit evaluations and elaboration of rehabilitation measures. Encourage public participation by involving relevant stakeholders into the decision-making process. Results The project drew up a comprehensive programme of measures ensuring the sustainable use of groundwater resources in the Narva and Slantsev districts. Furthermore, it clarified groundwater management policy among administrative bodies and developed analytical instruments (Geographical Instrument System and Meta Information System). The programme for remediation measures has had a positive impact on the region’s environment,particularly threatened by the consequences of the uncontrolled oil-shale mining (which also affects Estonia). Remediation scenarios have been proposed and costs calculated ahead of carrying out a plan of action that will help guarantee sustainable use of groundwater resources. An environmental assessment was conducted as part of the project and a programme of remediation measures was developed. The project established a pool of local personnel to implement the programme. The main results of the project were: Improved capacity of the Russian administration in the field of groundwater protection, clarification of administrative responsibilities and the creation of new analytical instruments. The ability of well-trained Russian experts to use the project approach, especially in the area of economic analysis and cost/benefit evaluations. The participation of the public through the involvement of stakeholders in the decision- making process. The capacities of the Russian institutions have been strengthened as a result of the project. The involvement of the Slantsy municipality in the solving of environmental problems is another achievement. The project has a high demonstration value and strong potential for transfer. The remediation measures – which were drawn up using information analysis and appropriate methods for inventorying and assessing present pollution sources – addressed both economic and social issues and could have long-term socio-economic effects. However,it was recommended to the beneficiary to make more efforts to promote and give more access to all the results of the project.