On 6 May 2025, the Technical University of Košice and the Košice Self-Governing Region co-hosted a regional workshop in Trebišov, Slovakia, aimed at strengthening the resilience of cultural and natural heritage in the context of climate change. The event was part of the EU-funded INACO project and linked to the Land4Climate initiative, creating valuable synergies between transnational and regional activities.
The workshop focused on how climate-related risks – especially floods, droughts, and biodiversity loss – affect valuable heritage areas in Eastern Slovakia. It brought together 16 participants representing water authorities, cultural institutions, public administrators, researchers and NGOs. Through expert presentations and interactive discussion, attendees explored practical strategies for integrated risk management in river basin districts.
Key contributions were delivered by the Slovak Water Management Enterprise (SVP), the Regional Monument Board and the Košice Region’s GIS and planning departments. The agenda addressed the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, coordination between institutional actors during emergencies and the protection of heritage assets within flood-prone areas.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of digital tools developed under the INACO project. These tools are designed to support local authorities in visualizing vulnerability, planning mitigation strategies, and improving preparedness. Workshop participants also reflected on lessons learned from other EU projects such as ProteCHt2save, RESIST and ARCH, and how these could be adapted to Slovak conditions.
The workshop concluded with a moderated dialogue that identified key institutional gaps, highlighted good practices and outlined opportunities for piloting tools and crisis manager training in selected areas of the Košice Region. The exchange laid a strong foundation for improved transdisciplinary cooperation in heritage protection and climate adaptation across Central Europe.