From October 28 to 31, 2024, the Slovak Water Tour brought together experts from across Europe to explore the regeneration of small water cycles and the implementation of nature-based solutions for a resilient natural landscape water balance.

Organized by former RETOUCH NEXUS partners Martin Kováč and Michal Kravčík, this four-day event provided a platform for scientists, NGOs, consulting companies, and agroforestry associations from Belgium, France, and Germany to engage in meaningful exchanges on water management innovations.

A central feature of the Slovak Water Tour was a series of site visits to showcase real-world examples of nature-based solutions in various settings. Key locations included the Bioclimatic Park Drienova, EKOSTAV OŠČADNICA, and the Považie Forest, where participants observed projects that have successfully restored natural water cycles.

These visits were complemented by presentations of key initiatives, such as the White Paper for Water for the Climate Healing, the DALIA project, the Landscape and Watershed Recovery Programme for Slovakia’s Košice Region, and RETOUCH NEXUS.

RETOUCH NEXUS, with its strong focus on fostering resilient water systems, was prominently featured during the event. The project’s German case study in the Upper Main region was presented as an example of how nature-based solutions can be applied to address water management challenges. The presentation highlighted RETOUCH NEXUS’s efforts in restoring the local water balance, improving regional climate resilience, and fostering sustainable land-use practices.

The Slovak Water Tour also created a collaborative environment for exchanging insights and experiences among participants. Discussions focused on the application of nature-based solutions in various sectors, such as agriculture and forestry, offering a holistic view of how these approaches can contribute to landscape restoration and water cycle regeneration.

By participating in the Slovak Water Tour, RETOUCH NEXUS strengthened its connections with European experts and organizations dedicated to water management and climate adaptation. The event underscored the importance of international collaboration in advancing innovative solutions for sustainable water systems.

The RETOUCH NEXUS project remains committed to exploring and implementing nature-based solutions, with its German case study continuing to serve as a model for addressing local and regional water challenges. Events like the Slovak Water Tour are essential for fostering knowledge exchange and building partnerships that drive impactful change.

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