On October 22, 2024, an event was held in Streda nad Bodrogom, bringing together experts, local officials, and the public to present the latest developments and benefits of the international project FloodBOTI – Sustainable Flood Risk Management on the Bodrog and Tisa Rivers. This cross-border project, implemented by partners from Slovakia and Hungary, offers modern solutions for sustainable flood risk management and the revitalization of the natural environment in the basins of both rivers.
At the beginning of the event, participants listened to an introduction of the FloodBOTI project, which provided an overview of the project’s objectives, goals, and planned activities. This was followed by presentations from the individual project partners, the Agency for Regional Development Košice (ARR KE) and the Slovak Water Management Company (SVP, state enterprise), who outlined their roles and measures aimed at improving flood protection and ecological stability in the region.
Why the FloodBOTI Project is Essential for the Region
The watersheds of the Bodrog and Tisa rivers are among the areas most at risk of flooding, and extreme rainfall in recent years has posed an increasing threat to local residents and ecosystems. The FloodBOTI project was created to address these challenges through the restoration of floodplains, wetlands, and regulation of watercourses. The project’s activities are intended to enhance the landscape’s ability to naturally retain water, thereby reducing the risk of flooding and increasing resilience to droughts.
The project also contributes to supporting biodiversity and ecological balance, as the restored wetlands and floodplains will create conditions for the return of native plant and animal species.
Agency for Regional Development Košice – Building Awareness and Environmental Education
Agency for Regional Development Košice, one of the project partners on the Slovak side, plays a significant role in environmental education and community engagement. At the meeting, ARR KE presented its planned activities, which include public clean-ups of the Bodrog Riverbanks, educational programs for schools, and lectures for municipalities. As part of two upcoming “eco-days,” the public will be introduced to the importance of nature conservation, proper waste management, and practical steps for managing climate change.
These activities are an important pillar of the project as they raise awareness about the significance of protecting the natural environment and engage local residents in the sustainable development of the region. ARR KE believes that the more actively local communities are involved in nature protection, the more successful the long-term impact of the project will be.
Slovak Water Management Company (SVP, state enterprise) – Technical Measures for Flood Protection
SVP, state enterprise, presented specific technical measures it plans to implement on the Slovak side of the Bodrog River. These activities include clearing a 20-kilometer stretch of the Bodrog River’s dead arm of invasive plants and constructing two new weirs on the Old Bodrog River. The restoration and regulation of the watercourse will allow better control over the water regime and increase flood protection in the area between Klin nad Bodrogom and Streda nad Bodrogom.
SVP also plans to reconstruct an existing weir, which will serve as an additional tool for regulating watercourses and protecting floodplains. These measures are a crucial step towards enhancing technical preparedness and protecting the local population from extreme weather fluctuations.
Funding and Timeline
The FloodBOTI project is co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg Hungary-Slovakia Program 2021-2027, covering nearly €1.12 million. The project started on July 1, 2024, and will run until the end of 2026. Over 30 months, the partners will implement measures that will create an ecologically stable environment and enhance resilience to climate change.
Importance of Cross-border Cooperation
The FloodBOTI project is an example of international partnership offering sustainable, nature-based solutions for floodplain protection. Cooperation between Slovakia and Hungary will ensure the exchange of best practices, strengthen environmental infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for local residents.
