update Updated
category Climate change adaptation EURO-INBO News
At a time when extreme water-related phenomena are increasing in Europe, the next edition of the International EURO-INBO Conference will highlight two crucial issues in climate adaptation: flood and drought management, through thematic sessions 2 and 3.
These exchanges, which will take place from 19 to 23 May 2025 in Parma (Italy), will enable European and international basin managers to share practical approaches at basin level, by highlighting the political, technical and financial tools that can be mobilised in a context of increasing pressure.
Session 2 – How can we better manage and prevent flooding?
In Europe, floods are already having a considerable impact, amplified by climate change. In 2023, almost 1.6 million people were affected, and future projections point to a worrying increase.
The Floods Directive, adopted in 2007, provides a common European framework for assessing and managing flood risks. This session will focus on flood risk management plans at basin level, combining infrastructure (dykes, retention areas) and non-structural measures (warnings, awareness-raising).
Discussions will highlight :
- The benefits of enhanced transboundary cooperation for integrated management,
- The need for more integrated hydroclimatic forecasting models,
- Feedback on the ‘room for the river’ approach,
- And the levers for overcoming technical and socio-economic obstacles.
There will be a particular focus on multi-scale coordination tools, innovative financing and feedback from European basins in transition.
Session 3 – How can we better manage and prevent droughts?
Drought is no longer a rare phenomenon. In 2022, more than a third of Europe was affected, with marked effects on agriculture, biodiversity and water supply. Thematic session 3 will offer an updated vision of drought management at the level of river basins, at the crossroads of planning, forecasting and water demand.
Participants will explore :
- Existing European frameworks, such as the Communication on Water Scarcity, the technical guidelines of the WFD, and the Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change,
- Combined approaches between demand management, rational storage and forecasting,
- The key role of quantity balances, ecological flows and integrated monitoring tools,
- Testimonials from pilot river basins committed to ambitious, adaptive plans.
These two sessions will enable participants to share practical experience, encourage cooperation between states and basins, and collectively develop the solutions needed for adaptation.