From Discussing Drought to Solutions in the Landscape

How can we retain more water in the landscape and strengthen its resilience to drought? This was the key topic discussed by experts and representatives of relevant stakeholder organisations during the WATERGRID project workshop held on 10 September 2026 in Rajec and at the Bioclimate Park Drienová.

The first, expert part of the workshop took place at the Municipal Office in Rajec. Following a short introduction, participants introduced themselves and shared their experience and connection to water and soil-related issues. Open discussion and the active involvement of different stakeholders are an important part of the WATERGRID project and its co-creation approach to developing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).

The programme continued with expert presentations focusing on climate change and water management, Nature-Based Solutions, and the specific challenges of the Rajec Valley. Participants discussed why water retention measures are becoming increasingly important in periods of more frequent drought, what types of solutions can be applied in the landscape, where they should be located, and how their impact can be assessed.

A dedicated background analysis was also prepared for the workshop, entitled “Water Retention and Water Management in the Landscape – Nature-Based Solutions in Slovakia and the Rajec Region: Climate Change and the Potential for Increasing Landscape Resilience.” The document provided a working basis for the discussions on climate change, drought and opportunities to strengthen the water retention capacity and resilience of the landscape.

The analysis was prepared by Michal Kravčík, Ing. CSc., as a working document for this workshop.

After the theoretical part, the workshop moved directly to the Bioclimate Park Drienová, one of the WATERGRID demonstration sites. During a guided field visit, participants were introduced to existing water retention measures as well as new solutions planned within the project.

The discussion focused, among other things, on the restoration of terraces, increasing the retention capacity of the existing retention basin, and other suitable measures designed to slow down water runoff and retain water directly in the landscape.

The participants were also introduced to the automatic weather station installed at the Bioclimate Park. Continuous monitoring of local meteorological conditions will provide important data for better understanding the functioning of the site and for evaluating the effectiveness of the implemented measures.

The workshop demonstrated that Nature-Based Solutions are not merely a theoretical concept. At the Bioclimate Park Drienová, they can be observed directly in the field, discussed with stakeholders and gradually evaluated in terms of their contribution to water retention and drought resilience.