The project, which involves the Department of UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, demonstrates that cooperation between science, agricultural practice and local governments is possible. This isn't just theory; it's tools that are already in place and have enormous potential for change.
Tools of the Future for Today's Problems
Innovative digital tools will be one of the pillars of LIFE RIVEREASE – two applications supporting water, soil and nature management. RIVEREASE OPEN will enable quick planning of where and what environmental measures, such as tree plantings, retention reservoirs, or river buffer zones. should be implemented. RIVEREASE REAL TIME, in turn, will support operational decisions by providing real-time data on water levels, erosion threats, and water flow rates in the catchment area.
These tools are intended to be widely available and free of charge to farmers, local governments, and environmental advisors alike. This is a significant change: until now, such solutions have been either very expensive or inaccessible to "ordinary" users.
Nature not as an Obstacle, but as a Partner
The project, however, will not stop at IT technologies. Implementing nature-based solutions (NBS) will also be key element. These include restoring natural river meanders, restoring wet meadows, planting trees along fields and streams, and creating small retention reservoirs.
Importantly, these actions will not be haphazard or random. Each will be preceded by an analysis of local conditions – hydrological, natural and spatial – and its effects will be monitored and analysed. Science and practice work hand in hand here.
Polish Rivers in the Spotlight
In Poland, LIFE RIVEREASE activities are focused on two river basins: the Ner and Pisia rivers. These are areas of significant agricultural and natural importance, where the impact of climate change is particularly felt. Drought, intensification of cultivation, soil erosion and the loss of natural habitats all require new approaches. The river basins in Germany and Denmark, in turn, serve as "test areas" where the potential for replication of the innovative solutions tested in the project will be assessed.
Benefits for People and Nature
The project implementation will result in tangible benefits:
- Environmental benefits– implementation will improve water retention in the catchment area, reduce soil erosion and reduce pollutants entering the water.
- Social benefits – farmers will gain actual support, and local communities will live in a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
- Institutional benefits – local governments and administration will gain tools to make optimal decisions.
The project's value is equally important – monitoring, spatial data and indicators of environmental effectiveness. LIFE RIVEREASE is a knowledge base that can be used for subsequent research and implementation projects.
Sustainable Future – Now!
Dr Agnieszka Bednarek says the project is of enormous importance from both a scientific and social perspectives:
– We support not only nature but also people – farmers, residents and local government officials. We engage them, showing them they can have a real impact on their surroundings. At the same time, we create solutions that will also serve other regions of Europe.
In the face of climate change and the water crisis, projects like LIFE RIVEREASE demonstrate that effective action is possible. All that's needed is cooperation – across science, practice and local communities – as well as the courage to embrace new solutions that combine technology with the wisdom of nature.
Source: Dr Agnieszka Bednarek (Department of UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz)
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak (Press Office, University of Lodz), Mateusz Kowalski (Promotion Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz)
