The final round of LocAll4Flood training sessions continues through November, maintaining a strong focus on nature-based solutions as effective tools to mitigate the impacts of flooding.
On 15 November, the CNR – Istituto di Ricerca Sulle Acque led the third session of this series in Bari (Apulia, Italy), one of the project’s pilot areas. The city, characterised by its numerous usually dry watercourses known locally as lame, presents a unique context for testing and implementing innovative solutions.
The training formed part of the wider initiative to strengthen flood risk management governance in the Bari area, bringing together regional authorities, technical experts, and researchers.
A central theme of the session was the analysis of nature-based solutions that could be introduced locally to reduce the severity of flooding. Participants examined the advantages and limitations of several measures, considering financial, technical, social and environmental factors.
Among the proposed actions, the creation of urban green spaces was highlighted for its multiple co-benefits: improving residents’ quality of life, increasing biodiversity, reducing the urban heat island effect, and acting as natural sponges during heavy rainfall events.
Reflecting on the session’s relevance, one participant noted:
“Networking all this expertise from different disciplines can provide this added value, along with a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and how to address them.”
Cinzia Campobasso, Cultural Foundation
This perspective highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in dealing with complex issues such as flash flood management.
