The Slovak case study of the RETOUCH NEXUS project held its first stakeholder workshop on climate-resilient water management for agriculture, citizens and ecosystems!

door | apr 22, 2024 | Case study activity, Event, Slovak CS

The Slovak case study of the RETOUCH NEXUS project recently hosted its inaugural stakeholder workshop, focusing on climate-resilient water management for agriculture, citizens, and ecosystems in southwestern Slovakia. Organized by the Slovak University of Agriculture (SUA) in Nitra, the workshop marked the culmination of months of preparation.

Held on April 19, 2024, at the AgroBioTech Research Center, the event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including vulnerable groups and minorities, to discuss pressing issues and explore collaborative solutions.

The workshop highlighted the critical impacts of climate change on water resources, affecting agriculture, energy, industry, communities, and ecosystems. Participants engaged in dialogue aimed at fostering integrated, sustainable, and inclusive water management practices. The discussions addressed governance challenges posed by floods, droughts, water insecurity, desertification, biodiversity loss, and land fragmentation in the region.

Key themes included the implementation of SUA’s strategic measures to enhance blue infrastructure, such as water conservation initiatives, rehabilitation of irrigation systems, and legislative adjustments to support sustainable practices across agriculture, energy, and municipalities. Attention was given to promoting natural ecosystems, involving diverse stakeholders in the decision-making process, and creating actionable recommendations for policymakers.

The event emphasized the need for inter-ministerial and inter-sectoral cooperation in water resource management, leveraging modern systems like the WEFE Nexus to ensure collaboration between technical and non-technical actors. Strategies were outlined for accelerating land development projects, addressing property rights, and implementing green and blue infrastructure to improve water retention in the landscape.

The workshop also stressed the importance of restoring water sources, including cleaning reservoirs clogged with sediment, which has significantly reduced their capacity. Adjustments to current laws regulating sediment application were proposed to facilitate clean-up efforts. Additionally, participants discussed upgrading pump stations to reduce energy consumption and costs, revising soil erosion limits to enhance water retention, and establishing or extending irrigation systems. Simplifying permits for small water structures and rehabilitating existing systems without extensive environmental assessments were identified as priorities, alongside preparing for the implementation of reclaimed water regulations.

This collaborative effort marked a significant step toward addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate-resilient water management in Slovakia, setting the stage for continued progress and innovation.

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