Water Councils in the Košice Region: Successful Cooperation with Stakeholders
When planning climate change adaptation measures, it is essential to communicate effectively and involve everyone concerned – municipalities, citizens, businesses, and experts. In the Land4Climate project, we are looking for good examples of how to do this efficiently. The Košice Self-Governing Region has one of the best systems – water councils that help bring everyone together and foster collaboration.
How It Started
In 2019, water councils were established in the Košice Region as part of the Landscape Renewal Program, aiming to respond to the impacts of climate change, particularly drought, flash floods, and soil degradation. During the initial meetings, more than 1,500 individuals were engaged, including mayors, farmers, foresters, water management experts, representatives of local action groups, and civil society. Six water councils were formed, bringing together a total of 127 members. Between October and December 2020, regional plans were approved within these councils for the territories of Abov, Gemer, Spiš, Zemplín I (Trebišov), Zemplín II (Poondavie), and Zemplín III (Michalovce, Sobrance). This was followed by the Košice Region Water Councils Plan, developed at the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021.
From Plans to Action
Based on collaboration with water council members, six problematic micro-watersheds were identified, for which revitalization studies with specific proposals for water retention measures were developed. Their implementation could significantly influence the hydrological, climatic, and economic regimes in the region. Estimates indicate a potential of 60 million m³ of retained water, 1.8 million tons of sequestered carbon, the creation of 3,000 jobs, and a decrease in average temperature by 0.7 °C.
Stakeholders in Water Councils as the Key to Solutions
As part of the Land4Climate project, six meetings of water councils were held between April and June 2025 with the aim of involving stakeholders in planning measures and collecting input from the region. The main topics included:
- Technical workshops and model materials
Participants expressed interest in expert workshops presenting nature-based solutions such as windbreak planting, oxbow lake revitalization, or dry retention basins. They also requested sample project documentation that could be used by municipalities and land managers. - Legislation and permitting processes
A common challenge was the lack of clarity regarding permits and approval procedures for implementing water retention measures. A proposal was made to create a “legislative compass” to map the entire process – from planning to maintenance. - Financing and grants
Many pointed out the need for new financial tools, such as a dedicated grant scheme by the Košice Self-Governing Region to support small-scale climate and water projects. They also emphasized the importance of better use of available funds and active monitoring of funding calls. - Monitoring and feedback
There was interest in collecting data on implemented measures, their maintenance, and environmental impact. Regular feedback and access to information from public authorities were also requested – for example, about river maintenance or the status of water resources. - Communication, prevention, and cooperation
The need for better cooperation with state organizations and improved flood warning systems – especially for forest and agricultural landowners – was highlighted. Systematic flood prevention and the restoration of neglected water infrastructure were also discussed.
Inspiration for Land4Climate
The water councils in the Košice Region represent a practical example of long-term, participatory, and regionally grounded cooperation. They successfully bring together technical, ecological, and social perspectives on climate adaptation. Their activities – including the 2025 meetings held within the Land4Climate project – demonstrate that stakeholder collaboration is not only beneficial but essential for the successful transformation of the landscape.
Key outcomes: selection of locations and engagement of landowners.
Results: Site Selection and Engagement of Landowners in Landscape Restoration
A key outcome of these meetings was the identification of specific private landowners who decided to take part in implementing Nature-based Solutions within the Land4Climate project. This marks a crucial moment when the vision turned into practical agreements and concrete areas prepared for the implementation of measures. These sites will serve as model examples of cooperation between public authorities, experts, landowners, and civil society.
