On 18–19 June 2025, our German Case Study hosted two workshops in the Upper Main region (Germany) to promote, validate, and discuss the potential of nature-based solutions (NBS) for improving the local water cycle.
About the initiative
The workshops were part of a research project led by Sanchari Ghosh (Technical University of Munich), focusing on identifying suitable locations for NBS implementation in the area around Leuchau. The project aims to estimate potential water savings and strengthen the connection between scientific research and community action.
In collaboration with former RETOUCH NEXUS partners Martin Kováč (Water Holistic, Slovakia) and Michal Kravčík (People and Water, Slovakia), the workshops brought together local government representatives, farmers, water managers, conservationists, and citizens.
The discussions pointed to the need for a fundamentally new approach to restoring water resources in the region, one that restores both the dynamics and stability of the water cycle. This approach promotes better use of rainfall throughout the year and focuses not only on visible blue water (rivers, lakes) but also on green water, such as soil moisture and evapotranspiration through plants. Sanchari’s research contributes directly to the ambitions of the EU Soil Strategy, the European Water Resilience Strategy, and circular bioeconomy goals.
18 June: Regional workshop in Kulmbach
The first day focused on engaging:
- Regional and local government officials (including the 3rd Mayor of Kulmbach)
- Farmer associations
- Forestry and nature conservation bodies
- Water management and water law authorities
🔹 Joshua Holzer (TUM) introduced the RETOUCH NEXUS project.
🔹Martin Kováč and Michal Kravčík presented the NBS concept and discussed potential applications for Kulmbach.
🔹 Sanchari Ghosh shared insights from her research in Leuchau, sparking interest in expanding the analysis to the wider Kulmbach area.
Discussions explored practical NBS options, with a strong focus on implementation challenges – notably, how to secure funding for concrete action.
19 June: Local workshop in Leuchau
The second day shifted the focus to local citizens:
- Citizens described recent water-related problems in the area.
- The team explained possible causes and NBS that could support a healthier water cycle.
- Sanchari presented her analysis, inviting validation and input from residents.
- Participants visited stressed water bodies and discussed NBS potential on-site.
This hands-on engagement helped connect scientific knowledge with local priorities and experiences.
Collaborating experts
Alongside Sanchari, Martin, Michal, and Joshua, the workshops benefited from the expertise of:
Jan Pokorny (ENKI, Czech Republic)
Prof. Ariel Saleh (University of Sydney, Australia)
Dipl.-Ing. Marco Schmidt (TU Berlin, Germany)
Looking ahead
These workshops exemplify how RETOUCH NEXUS supports nexus-smart, locally tailored solutions for water resilience. The interest in expanding NBS planning from Leuchau to the whole Kulmbach area marks a promising step toward actionable, community-supported water strategies.
