Science and Local Government Cooperation in Practice
The study visit programme was designed to showcase examples of initiatives implemented in Lodz through cooperation between the scientific community and local government authorities. Participants had the opportunity to learn about both innovative stormwater management solutions and good practices related to creating spaces that are more resilient to the effects of a changing climate.
Partners from the Environmental Management Department of the City of Lodz Office and the Municipal Economy Department of the City of Lodz Office also contributed to individual elements of the visit, sharing the city’s experience in implementing climate adaptation measures.
Places Demonstrating the Impact of Blue-Green Infrastructure
During the visit, participants explored a number of sites that serve as examples of the successful implementation of nature-based solutions. The programme included, among other things:
- the Bzura River valley, including the reservoirs in Arturówek, and the Sokołówka River valley, where the Department of UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, University of Lodz, implemented the first ecohydrological solutions under the SWITCH and LIFE EH-REK projects;
- the biofiltration system developed by ECOL-UNICON;
- investments implemented under the “Odbetonowanie miasta Łodzi” [Removing Concrete from the City of Lodz] programme;
- educational institutions participating in the “Łódzkie szkoły dla klimatu” [Lodz Schools for the Climate] project;
- the Group Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Lodz Metropolitan Area.
Each visit provided an opportunity to discuss good practices, challenges related to the implementation of blue-green infrastructure and the importance of cooperation between science, local government and local communities.
Discovering the City from a Different Perspective
The programme also included a component related to the heritage and history of Lodz.
Participants visited the "Podziemna Łódź" [Underground Lodz] photography exhibition by Paweł Hikisz. The exhibition offered a chance to view the city from a less familiar perspective and gain a better understanding of its relationship with water and the infrastructure hidden beneath its surface.
We also had the opportunity to observe the progress of one of the city’s flagship projects: uncovering the Lamus River and bringing it back to the surface.
Sharing Experience for the Climate-Resilient Cities of Tomorrow
The study visit was not only an opportunity to learn about specific solutions implemented in Lodz, but also a valuable space for exchanging knowledge and experiences among representatives of different local governments and professional communities.
We would like to thank the participants from Hajnówka, Kosakowo and Konin for their interest in our Lodz-based solutions. We hope that the initiatives presented during the visit will provide support and inspiration for your towns and cities as you work to strengthen climate resilience and create more sustainable places to live.
Source: dr hab. Tomasz Jurczak, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz, Department of UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
Photos: Jarosław Trochmiczyk, Hajnówka Municipality
Edit: Kamila Knol-Michałowska, Promotion Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
