The Košice Self-Governing Region, together with the Agency for the Support of Regional Development Košice, organized a KSK Water Councils meeting focused on water management in the region and municipalities.
The discussion centered on blue-green infrastructure and nature-based solutions that help cope with droughts, flash floods, and the impacts of climate change. Participants shared experiences, discussed openly, and explored practical ways to manage water sustainably – benefiting both people and nature.
What are Water Councils and why were they created?
The KSK Water Councils bring together experts, municipal representatives, state authorities, and other stakeholders involved in water management – from flood and drought management to water retention and climate adaptation. They serve as a platform to share practical experience and find solutions that make sense for specific municipalities and regions, gradually translating into concrete actions.
Expert Insights and Open Discussion
The program included a lecture by RNDr. Michal Šereš, PhD., from the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. Using practical examples, he explained how blue-green infrastructure works and why it is important for municipalities and the region. Following the lecture, a moderated discussion gave participants the opportunity to share their own experiences – what has worked well and what challenges they face when implementing nature-based solutions. The discussion focused on successful approaches, major obstacles, and the role of different institutions in the process. Recurring themes included complex property relations, lengthy permitting processes, limited capacity in smaller municipalities, and unclear project funding. At the same time, positive examples were highlighted, demonstrating that blue-green solutions are meaningful and bring tangible benefits.
First Roundtables with Stakeholders in the Land4Climate Project
The facilitated discussion also served as the first roundtable with stakeholders within the Land4Climate project. Its aim is to promote the implementation of nature-based solutions and blue-green infrastructure as a response to climate change. A key part of the project is connecting municipalities, experts, watercourse managers, and nature conservation authorities. Collaboration among these actors helps develop solutions that consider broader contexts and the specific needs of local areas.
What’s Next ?
The discussion showed that Water Councils and the Košice Self-Governing Region can play an important role, particularly in:
- providing methodological and facilitation support to municipalities,
- connecting stakeholders and sharing best practices,
- supporting the strategic planning of measures across the region.
The meeting confirmed that open dialogue and cooperation are essential for treating water as an opportunity rather than a problem. The KSK Water Councils demonstrated that solutions exist – blue-green infrastructure is not just a trend but a practical response to challenges we are already facing. More greenery, better water management, and collaboration between municipalities and institutions can significantly increase the resilience of the Košice Region to climate change. The Agency for the Support of Regional Development Košice views these meetings as an important step in turning good ideas from discussions into concrete projects on the ground.
