UrbanBlueHealth partners meet in Lodz: planning future steps and study visit – Day 2
On 25 September 2025, the second day of the 3rd Project Partners’ Meeting in Lodz focused on project management tasks, strategic planning, and a joint study visit to the Stefański Ponds pilot site.
The morning session reviewed upcoming obligations, including preparation of the third reporting period. Partners were reminded to keep their spending within ±10% of the planned budget. The midterm report was officially approved.
Upcoming meetings were scheduled:
- Osijek: 23–24 April 2026 (with pilot visit to the Drava River).
- Vienna: 16–17 September 2026 (final project meeting).
- A planned Austrian study visit was replaced by a demonstration visit in Croatia during the fourth reporting period.
A major outcome was the agreement to develop a joint training curriculum for bathing site managers and local self-governments. Coordinated by NZJZ OBŽ (Croatia), the curriculum will include five modules: Health and risk; Monitoring and legislation; Prevention measures; Communications; Operation of health and risk. Deadlines: draft by November 2025, working version by February 2026, and final version to be presented in Osijek (April 2026).
Partners also set the framework for the Transnational Bathing Water Strategy, aiming to:
- Improve knowledge on risks in urban bathing waters.
- Strengthen monitoring and early warning systems.
- Develop preventive measures and reduce pollution.
- Enhance communication with stakeholders and the public.
The meeting concluded with a study visit to Stefanski Ponds, where partners observed the water oxidation device and monitoring systems in practice.
Conclusion of Day 2:
- Meeting dates in Osijek and Vienna were confirmed.
- Curriculum structure and deadlines were set.
- Framework for the Bathing Water Strategy and Action Plans was agreed.
- The field visit provided practical lessons from pilot implementation.