4th Partner meeting and study visit at DALIA DEMO SITE 3: Dyje sub-catchment of the Danube River Basin
From September 11 to 13, 2024, the DALIA Consortium held its 4th project meeting, hosted by T. G. Masaryk Water Research Institute in Valtice, Czech Republic. Representatives from partner institutions across Europe gathered to discuss the latest developments in their collaborative efforts to preserve Europe’s floodplain ecosystems in the face of increasing climate challenges.
Study Visit to DPS 3
The meeting included presentations on the project’s progress, sessions for individual working groups, and a site visit to one of the key demonstration areas. On Thursday 12/9, participants visited a floodplain forest south of Lanžhot, located near the tri-border region of the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakia. This forest is part of Demonstration Pilot Site 3 (DPS3), which encompasses the Thaya River catchment area, with 83% in the Czech Republic and 17% in Austria.
DPS3, along the Thaya River, faces significant environmental challenges. Climate change and human activities, particularly the operation of reservoirs, have led to increased water scarcity in the region. The landscape ranges from highlands to lowlands, supporting a mix of agricultural land and forest ecosystems. Coniferous forests in the region have recently suffered extensive damage due to a bark beetle outbreak, further highlighting the vulnerability of these ecosystems.
The Thaya River flows into the Morava River, contributing to the Lower Morava Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated area renowned for its limestone cliffs, extensive forests, and wetlands, which are protected under both UNESCO and the RAMSAR Convention. The Dolní Morava Biosphere Reserve, part of this area, also includes several Natura 2000 sites and other protected areas, underscoring the region’s critical biodiversity and environmental significance.
Floodplain forests, like those in the Lower Morava Biosphere Reserve, rely on periodic flooding for their ecological health, supporting diverse plant and animal species. However, the onset of climate change is altering flooding regimes, disrupting these ecosystems and placing increased demands on water resources. This growing challenge is a central focus of the DALIA project.
In light of the significant floods that occurred across parts of the Czech Republic in the days following the meeting, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of water resource management in the context of climate change. The recent flooding events are a stark reminder of the growing unpredictability of water cycles due to climate change. While we face periods of drought and water scarcity in some areas, other regions are increasingly vulnerable to flash floods. Managing water resources wisely is now more critical than ever to ensure both the protection of ecosystems and the safety of our communities. Floodplain forests play a key role in absorbing excess water during floods, highlighting the need for integrated strategies that support their preservation while balancing human water demands.
The DALIA project’s efforts to monitor and model these changes in floodplain environments are helping to develop adaptive solutions that can mitigate the impacts of such extreme weather events and ensure the long-term sustainability of these vital ecosystems.
About DALIA
The project DALIA Danube Lighthouse is funded under the EU Horizon program to support the EU Mission Restore our Oceans and Waters and the Danube Lighthouse. This unique Lighthouse addresses the major issue of water quality and ecosystem restoration in the 2nd longest river in Europe crossing 10 EU countries, affecting millions of lives, and fostering economic activity while being home to unique species. The DALIA Consortium is a collaborative research initiative focused on understanding the impacts of climate change on floodplain ecosystems and developing strategies to protect these critical environments.