On the 7th of March 2025, the first of three training workshops organised by the CNR took place in the Consiliare Hall of Dicatech, Polytechnic University of Bari.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for experts, local administrators, academics, and the private sector to exchange ideas and identify effective solutions for the prevention and management of flash floods, a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly frequent and devastating in the Mediterranean regions. The day began with the presentation of the LocAll4Flood project, which highlighted how a multi-stakeholder approach can contribute to hydrogeological risk management through coordinated actions in prevention, adaptation, and mitigation actions.
The workshop featured key technical presentations on essential topics such as flood risk management principles in line with EU directives, the importance of early warning systems and their practical application in the city of Bari. One of the most engaging moments was the interactive exercise on flash flood prevention, where participants had the opportunity to test practical response strategies to extreme weather events. This session provided valuable insights and reinforced the need for advanced forecasting tools to identify critical areas and protect strategic infrastructure.
Discussions underlined the urgency of developing a detailed mapping of high-risk areas and implementing effective tools to alert the population. Another crucial issue highlighted was the involvement of local administrations, which often face these challenges with limited resources and struggle with fragmented competencies. The workshop emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between local authorities, institutions, and citizens to enhance flood risk management strategies.
The final session provided valuable takeaways. While mitigation measures were considered more effective than adaptation strategies, they require immediate investment. Adaptation strategies, on the other hand, need a longer time to become fully effective, making their urgent implementation a priority. The need for an integrated approach combining prevention, adaptation and mitigation was reiterated as a key element for effective flood risk management.
The LocAll4Flood workshop served as an essential platform for deepening discussions and refining strategies for hydrogeological risk management. Investing in efficient early warning systems and promoting a more unified governance approach must be a priority. Flood prevention can no longer be postponed—concrete actions are needed to ensure the safety of both communities and territories.
