From 18 to 21 March 2024, the picturesque landscapes of Liguria, Italy, played host to the latest RECONECT project general assembly, marking a significant milestone in the progress of the project’s work on demonstrating the effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) in mitigating the impacts of climate related water risks.
The assembly brought together its complete partnership of scientists, policymakers, and practitioners from across Europe and beyond. Their presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change on effective water management. Discussions delved into various aspects of the project, from scientific research to practical implementation strategies.
“Bringing the RECONECT partners together to discuss progress, lessons and challenges from its work in the different regions of Europe, but also beyond such as Colombia, Thailand and Malaysia, is always a highlight for the consortium. It allows for an incredibly rich and diverse insight into how Nature-based Solutions are supporting hydro-meteorological risk reduction but also how to overcome challenges such as in the areas of policy-making, public support and financial investment”, said Zoran Vojinovic, RECONECT project coordinator.
One day of the assembly was dedicated to a field trip to the Nature-Based Solution demonstration sites in Portofino National Park and Cinque Terre. Participants witnessed firsthand the innovative approaches being employed to enhance resilience against natural disasters while preserving the ecological integrity of these sensitive areas. From green infrastructure projects to ecosystem restoration initiatives, these sites serve as living laboratories for testing and refining NBS interventions.
The Natural Regional Park of Portofino is located 30km from the city of Genova and includes the municipalities of Camogli, Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. Working on nature-based solutions in the park is crucial for preserving the ecological integrity and cultural significance of this unique area. As one of Italy’s most cherished natural treasures, the park is not only a haven for biodiversity but also a vital resource for local communities and visitors alike.
Northern Italy, like many regions worldwide, faces escalating threats from climate change. The devastating flash floods that struck Cinque Terre in 2011 left a profound impact on the region, resulting in loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure, and widespread destruction of homes and businesses. The event was triggered by intense rainfall that overwhelmed the region’s drainage systems, leading to rapid runoff and flash flooding in the narrow valleys and steep terrain characteristic of Cinque Terre. The vulnerability of the area was exacerbated by factors such as deforestation, improper land use practices, and inadequate urban planning, which left the region ill-prepared to cope with such extreme weather events.
To mitigate the risk of future disasters, comprehensive measures are needed, including improved land management practices, reforestation efforts to restore natural buffers against erosion and flooding, better stormwater management, and enhanced early warning systems to alert residents of impending hazards. Additionally, fostering community resilience through education, preparedness, and sustainable development initiatives is crucial for reducing the vulnerability of the region to future flash floods and other climate-related disasters.
The RECONECT project aims to address these issues by harnessing the power of nature to build resilience and adaptability. In addition to its scientific and practical contributions, RECONECT is also fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building among stakeholders. By facilitating collaboration between academia, government agencies, and local communities, the project is creating a framework for sustainable development that can be replicated and scaled up elsewhere.
Looking ahead, the RECONECT project’s final conference in Belgrade, Serbia from 3 to 5 July promises to be a culmination of years of dedicated effort and invaluable insights. This event will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved and learned throughout the course of the project. From innovative NBS solutions to policy recommendations, the conference will showcase the tangible impacts of collaborative action in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.
