2nd Regional stakeholder meeting in Vas County
Project Update and Reflections from Patras
The meeting opened with Anita Bálint, the project manager, who presented the project's progress to date and outlined upcoming activities. Following this, István Juhász, member of the stakeholder group, shared insights and lessons learned from the 3.1 study visit to Patras, highlighting valuable exchanges between partners.
Expert Presentations on Local and Regional Initiatives
A series of presentations followed, focusing on challenges and innovations in water retention and climate resilience:
Dr. Zsuzsanna Engi – Flash Floods in Vas County
Dr. Engi addressed the increasing threat of flash floods, particularly in settlements located in topographically enclosed valleys. Using concrete examples, she illustrated the destructive impact of these events and emphasized the vulnerability of local infrastructure due to climate-induced changes in rainfall intensity.
István Juhász – “Water to the Landscape” Programme in Vas County
Mr. Juhász presented the “Water to the Landscape” programme, aimed at improving ecological water retention in Vas County. He stressed the urgency of expanding water storage capacities and rehabilitating oxbow lakes, based on climate and hydrological data analysis. Case studies such as the Lapincs flood channel and Csörnöc-Herpenyő water transfer highlighted innovative local experiments and the lessons learned from their implementation.
Dr. Petra Szatzker – LIFE LOGOS 4 WATERS Project
Dr. Szatzker introduced the LIFE LOGOS 4 WATERS project, focused on strengthening local governments’ adaptive capacities through nature-based water retention solutions. More than 30 interventions—including log dams, educational trails, and oxbow rehabilitations—have been implemented across two pilot areas. Public engagement plays a central role, with tools such as e-learning platforms, a board game, and a decision-support platform developed to increase awareness and capacity.
Réka Csenge Kovács – NBS4LOCAL Project (Interreg Europe Programme)
Ms. Kovács presented the NBS4LOCAL project, which promotes the integration of nature-based solutions (NBS) into policy development. Drawing from examples in six countries, she highlighted:
- Rainwater harvesting systems in Poland
- River restoration using indigenous knowledge in Finland
- Urban rain gardens in Pula, Croatia
- A floodable urban park in Spain
A particularly innovative pilot action combines community financing with ecosystem restoration, showcasing how local engagement can support environmental sustainability.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and multi-level engagement in addressing the challenges of climate change. By learning from both local pilot actions and international best practices, the CLIMATE project continues to contribute to a more resilient, adaptive, and sustainable future.