• Design and test nature-based solutions in regions vulnerable to climate risks
• Engage private landowners in climate change adaptation
• Develop models that can be applied to other regions across Europe
• Strengthen cooperation between the public sector, landowners, and experts

The LAND4CLIMATE project is carried out in six European countries:

• Austria
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Italy
• Romania
• Slovakia

The project is expected to deliver significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Successful solutions will be scaled up to the national level and shared among regions across Europe. The project is aligned with the objectives of the European Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change and contributes to the systematic strengthening of climate resilience in continental regions.

In the participating regions, the following outcomes are expected:

• reduction of flood risk
• improved water management
• enhancement of landscape condition and biodiversity
• increased preparedness for extreme weather events

The LAND4CLIMATE project in Slovakia focuses on the Roňava River Basin in the southeastern part of the country. It is a relatively small area that is highly prone to flash floods.

Challenges faced by the region

The basin is exposed to several climate risks:

• Flash floods during intense storms
• Combination of heavy rainfall and snowmelt
• Accelerated water runoff from the landscape
• Increasing risk of heat waves

The small size of the basin causes water to drain very quickly, which increases the risk of sudden flooding.

Past interventions and their consequences

In the past, measures were implemented in the area to rapidly drain water in order to support intensive agriculture. However, this approach gradually contributed to accelerated water runoff and increased flood vulnerability.

As a regional partner of the project, we actively collaborate with landowners in the Roňava River Basin to identify and design suitable nature-based solutions (NBS). We work with them in forests, on agricultural land, and in built-up areas.

Our goal is to implement measures that serve a dual purpose:

• Reduce the risk of flash floods

• Mitigate the impacts of drought

By strategically applying these measures, we aim to strengthen the basin’s ability to respond to extreme weather events and improve its long-term resilience.

We expect the implemented measures to contribute to:

• Slower water runoff from the landscape
• A more stable water regime
• Increased climate resilience of the area
• Improved ecological condition of the landscape

The ultimate goal is to create a more robust and sustainable landscape that is better prepared for changing climatic conditions.

Active participation of local residents and private landowners is key to the success of the project. We reach out to municipalities as well as landowners in the Roňava River Basin and involve them in the preparation and implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS).

Private landowners can participate by:

• Consulting on possible measures for their land
• Collaborating on the design of specific solutions
• Attending informational and expert events

Our goal is to create a partnership in which local stakeholders actively contribute to shaping a more climate-resilient landscape.

Co-financed by the European Union from the Horizon Europe program.