From 3–5 September 2025, around 40 participants from various European countries gathered in Timişoara, Romania, to present and discuss the latest research outcomes and practical approaches for addressing flood risk management in the context of climate change. The event was organised by the Land4Flood network, bringing together researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of land management, water governance, and climate adaptation.
We were represented by Kristina Veidemane, who shared insights from the IMPETUS Project. Her presentation, “Adaptation Pathways as a Tool for Planning Flood Risk Reduction Measures in Light of Climate Change Impacts”, highlighted the case study from Zemgale region, Latvia.
The approach emphasizes the importance of combining different types of measures when planning for flood risk reduction:
- Capacity-building – ensuring that public authorities and local communities are prepared and able to act in the event of a flood hazard.
- Structural measures – integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) with conventional grey infrastructure.
NBS are increasingly recognized not only for their cost-effectiveness, but also for their multiple co-benefits, such as biodiversity enhancement, recreation opportunities, and improved resilience of ecosystems and communities.
Field Visit in Banat Region
The event also featured a study visit hosted by Politehnica University of Timişoara, showcasing practical solutions for managing both flood and drought risks in the Banat region – an area where effective water management is crucial for agriculture and local livelihoods.
Participants visited two key sites:
- Costeiu Hydraulic Node – one of the oldest hydraulic regulation systems in the region, historically used to divert excess water and manage flows between the Timiș and Bega rivers.
- Lake Surduc – a multipurpose reservoir serving flood mitigation, drinking water supply, and recreational purposes.
The discussions in Timişoara reaffirmed the urgency of developing climate-resilient solutions that bridge research and practice. By combining local knowledge, innovative tools, and cross-border collaboration, we can strengthen Europe’s preparedness for the increasing risks posed by climate change.
We look forward to continuing this important dialogue and contributing to sustainable and resilient land and water management practices across Europe!
The IMPETUS project is funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, call LC-GD-1-3-2020 – Climate-resilient Innovation Packages for EU regions.
