Science and water management join forces – agreement signed between Polish Academy of Sciences and Polish Waters

On 27 February 2025, the Polish Academy of Sciences and Wody Polskie officially formalised their long-standing cooperation to date by signing an agreement on joint action for sustainable water management. This is a landmark moment that highlights the growing importance of the scientific approach to water management and protection against the effects of climate change.

The signing took place during the second meeting of the PAN’s Committee on Water Science and Water Management, which replaced the former Water Management Committee. Its mission is to bring together the scientific community and experts from water management institutions so that together they can respond more effectively to the challenges of protection against floods and droughts, water quality, and rebuilding the resilience of infrastructure and communities.

– This is a really important moment because our relationship with Polish Water has a long history, but today it is taking a formal form. The joint work of the expert teams shows what we can achieve together -– and unfortunately, we won’t be short of topics. We are facing droughts, more floods, changing hydrological conditions. By joining the forces of science and administration, we can better prepare for these challenges,’ stressed Professor Marek Konarzewski, President of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

New publications – essential tools for water management planning

Two publications were presented at the event, which will provide the foundation for future water management and flood mitigation efforts.

The first is the 46th volume of the Monograph of the Water Management Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences entitled ‘Meanders of water management in Poland – where do we go?’, which is a compendium of knowledge on the state of water management in Poland and challenges for the future. The publication brings together the experiences of experts and practitioners, showing both the historical context of water management and the contemporary directions of development in this field.

The second key study is the ‘Report on a task involving the development of a long-term strategy and recommendations for solutions to support the rebuilding of the resilience of society and infrastructure to the effects of flooding and the provision of expert support for flood risk management’. This document was produced in response to increasing hydrological risks and the need to implement long-term solutions that not only protect infrastructure from the effects of extreme weather events, but also allow communities to better adapt to climate change.

A new approach to water management

The signed agreement and the new publications are part of a broader context of cooperation between scientists and public administrations, especially in view of the growing risks associated with climate change. One of the first results of the joint action was the flood risk reduction programme for the Nysa Kłodzka River developed by experts.

– Water is becoming one of the key topics in science and public debate. I am glad that the importance of water problems is being recognised at the Polish Academy of Sciences, and cooperation with Polish Water will allow us to act even more effectively,’ noted Professor Paweł Rowiński, chairman of the Committee on Water Sciences and Water Management at the Polish Academy of Sciences.

The experts also stressed that, apart from the issue of hydrotechnical safeguards and appropriate spatial planning, it is crucial to develop the competencies of specialists dealing with water management.

– This cooperation is crucial. We need to respond flexibly and effectively to changing conditions, and the scientific approach of Polish Waters to planning and investment is extremely valuable. The more experts we have, the better we will be able to respond to the challenges of the future,’ said Mateusz Balcerowicz, Deputy President of Wód Polski for Flood and Drought Protection.

Next steps: Rebuilding flood and drought resilience

The signing of the agreement is only the beginning. PAN and Polish Water face specific challenges in restoring floodplains, planning adaptation measures and implementing innovative hydrological solutions.

Cooperation between science and public administration is crucial for the effective protection of water resources and the safety of residents. Experts emphasise that it will also be important to involve the public in the decision-making process and to provide adequate education on the risks and ways to counteract the effects of extreme hydrological events.

The 46th volume of the Monograph of the Water Management Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences ‘Meandry gospodarki wodnej w Polsce – dokąd płyniemy?’ is available here.

Gallery

(click on the image below to go to the gallery)

main photo: Wody Polskie

photos in the gallery: PAN / Aneta Karwowska