[URBANFLOODS] Implementation of a project to strengthen cities' flood resilience through an integrated flood control system has started

The Adriatic-Ionian region, with its unique geographical and climatic conditions, is increasingly exposed to severe flooding due to a combination of climate change and land use change. These events have led to significant geomorphological adjustments of river channels and, historically, have caused significant damage to life, property, agriculture and tourism infrastructure.

URBANFLOODS the initiative aims to strengthen urban resilience to increasing flood threats, in particular to rivers and streams in the urban environment of the Adriatic-Ionian region. By developing an integrated decision support system under the EU Floods Directives, the project aims to transform flood management as well as preparedness for response. URBANFLOODS will raise public awareness, recommend new flood prevention policies and provide strategic action plans for the short, medium and long term. Designed to benefit local authorities, communities, policy-makers and the public, this initiative will build stronger cities more resilient to floods for the future.

Specific objectives of the project

• Joint development of an integrated decision support system (DSS): implies the creation of an advanced data-driven system that offers comprehensive flood management solutions and early warning systems.
• Strengthening natural and civil protection mechanisms: focus on improving existing natural and civil protection strategies and introducing new measures to further protect the Adriatic-Ionian region from flood risks.
• Adoption of protocols for effective practices, transnational strategies and action plans including identification, documentation and adoption of successful flood management strategies and action plans, which can serve as a reference for other regions facing similar problems.
• Education of local communities: This objective aims to improve the understanding of flood risks among local communities by fostering a culture of ‘preparedness’ and promoting proactive measures to mitigate potential consequences.

Main expected results

• 1 unique DSS (Decision Support System) It will improve the capacity of local authorities to reduce flood risk in urban areas and increase urban resilience by providing sophisticated, data-driven flood management solutions. The self-contained DSS will be confirmed and demonstrated at 9 different pilot locations.
• 1 Joint transnational strategy It will establish a targeted way to achieve efficient and effective flood management. It will provide a shared vision, goals, policies, actions and measures, based on a SMART data-driven approach.
• 3 Action Plans It will turn the jointly developed transnational strategy into actions, with the aim of increasing knowledge and helping decision-making for 3 categories of key institutions: (1) Local/regional authorities, (2) Civil Protection Authorities, (3) National authorities.
• 1 Memorandum of Understanding: formal agreement between the parties to continue cooperation after the end of the project. It will promote the exchange of knowledge and the transfer of best practices between partners and relevant interested stakeholders, increasing the visibility of project results to support future synergies and raise awareness and readiness among the general public, thereby maximising the potential impact of the project.

Project partners

1. University of Western Macedonia, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering – Greece (EL)
2. Hydro-Engineering Institute Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA)
3. Development Centre Murska Sobota – Slovenia (SI)
4. Macerata Municipality- Italy (IT)
5. Regional Development AgencY Backa Ltd. – Serbia (RS)
6. Municipal Enterprise for Water Supply and Sewerage of Kozani - Greece (EL)
7. Hydrowater-Albania sh.p.k - Albania (AL)
8. Rijeka Development Agency Porin Ltd. – Croatia (HR)
9. Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje – North Macedonia (MK)
10. EuroMediterranean Center for the Sustainable Development – SVI.MED NPO – Italy (IT)
11. Center for Knowledge Management CKM – North Macedonia (MK)

Associated partners

1. Municipality of Scicli - IT
2. Municipality of Modica - IT
3. Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO) - SI
4. Agency for watershed of the Adriatic Sea – BA
5. Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Albania - AL
6. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY, GENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR WATER - EL
7. Public Water Management Company “Vode Vojvodina” – RS
8. Municipality of Kozani - EL
9. Centre for Crisis Mangement – MK
10. Institute of Sustainable Development and Management of Natural Resources-UCRI TEMENUS UOWM - EL
11. Public Institution for protected area management in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County - EN

Pilot sites

• Siopoto - EL
• Matica - BA
• Ledava - SI
• Fosso Narducci - IT
• Modica-Scicli torrent - IT
• Karaš - RS
• Tirana - AL
• Rječina - HR
• Wrong Reka - MK

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Project name: URBANFLOODS Promoting Urban Resilience Through an Integrated Advanced Decision Support System for Flood Control
Implementation period: 1.9.2024. – 31.8.2027
Value of the project: 1.747.583,17 € (80% EU contribution - 85% IPA-Adrion contribution)
Source of funding: Interreg IPA-Adrion

More about the project is available at official website.