Study Tour to Norway was held during 28.5.2024 – 30.5.2024 in Trondheim and Oslo.
Seminar in Trondheim
During the seminar, Norwegian experts from Network Climate Adaptation Trøndelag and Trøndelag County Administration gave presentations. Slovak experts presented the significance of rainwater retention from an international perspective, a new approach to supporting energy services in the Žilina region, and also the Bioclimatic Park as an example of nature-friendly land management.
Gudided tour to Ilabekken – Iladalen in Trondheim
Ilabekken is a small watercourse system in the city of Trondheim, covering an area of 10 km². The lower part of Ilabekken, approximately 700 meters long, was piped and enclosed from its surroundings since 1910 and was further expanded in the 1960s. As a result, water quality deteriorated over the years due to the influx of contaminated wastewater, and the population of sea trout disappeared due to the enclosure.
The planning for reopening Ilabekken took place at the end of the 1990s in connection with the planning of the northern relief road for the municipality of Trondheim. The work on opening the stream began in 2005 and was completed in the spring of 2008 with measures such as the restoration of recreational areas and pathway systems, wastewater treatment, and habitat modifications in Iladalen Park. The final outcome also led to the municipality of Trondheim being awarded the national prize for urban environment in 2010. The project was also one of twelve candidates for the national prize for construction practice in May 2008.
Guided tour to Hovinbekken in Oslo
Hovinbekken in Oslo, Norway, is an excellent example of implementing nature-based solutions in urban development. The purpose of the newly opened river is not only to manage heavy rainfall but also to support biodiversity and improve the quality of life for the local community.
Hovinbekken is the most enclosed river in Oslo, flowing from north to south between the rivers Akerselva and Alna, mostly underground. In several locations, the river has recently been uncovered and integrated into newly developed parks in the city.
We began our tour in Hasle, a newly established residential area named after Hovinbekken. Here, we had a guided tour led by expert Bent Braskerud from the city of Oslo, who introduced us to the beginnings of the river’s reopening. Bent explained the intentions behind the planning and construction of the new waterway.
He explained that the river’s flow is controlled by a dam, which divides its course between an underground drain and an open channel. The vegetation in the water serves several functions. Besides being beneficial for the area’s biodiversity, it also helps purify the water.
One of the challenges associated with the new waterway is the responsibility for managing the river. The river water brings a lot of sediment that needs to be regularly removed, and the vegetation in the river must be kept in check to prevent overgrowth. Experts are also closely monitoring the water quality.
As we continued along the river, we arrived at Tegelverksdammen. This is a small, man-made pond that serves as a beautiful recreational area and also as a natural water filter, as the open water surface allows more UV light to penetrate the water. We were delighted to see that many waterfowl had chosen this area as an ideal place to raise their young.
We gradually arrive at a residential area where the river flows directly between housing complexes. In this section, the river also serves as a drainage system for rainwater. Bent explains to us that the construction of the river in this area was a condition set for the investor during the development phase. The investor agreed because implementing the river made the properties even more attractive. Along the river, Bent shows us measures in place to divert water back into the original underground pipes during heavy rainfall, preventing it from overflowing its banks.
Further downstream, in Jordalparken, we met with expert Marit Carlsen from the company COWI. This is a newly built sports facility, opened in August 2022, which includes a skate park, football field, and hockey arena. The river flows from the top of the park and winds around the field and skate park.
The final stop was Klosterenga Park, a sculpture park in Gamle Oslo that features sculptures by the artist Bård Breivik. In the summer of 2023, the river was made accessible throughout the entire park and was integrated to become an important part of the area.
Meeting in National Trust Norway in Oslo
Fortidsminneforeningen – The National Trust of Norway is an organization that was established in 1844 and has played a key role in the creation of nationwide heritage management for the protection of Norway’s historical sites. At the meeting, experts discussed the impact of climate change on cultural heritage, focusing particularly on the challenges related to energy efficiency and rainwater management.
Visit to Klimahuset in Oslo
The Climate House is a modern exhibition space with climate change and the environment as a theme. Through exhibitions and events the museum aims to engage the audience to reflect and act for a more sustainable future. The Climate House exhibitions give insight in both natural and man made climate change and its consequences.
