On 24 February 2026, around 100 participants gathered in Absdorf (Lower Austria) to discuss sustainable solutions for soil and water management within the EU Horizon project ARCADIA. The event was organised by the Authority of Land Reform of Lower Austria (NÖ Agrarbezirksbehörde) in cooperation with Region Wagram and supported by the Lower Austrian Chamber of Agriculture. The meeting brought together farmers, municipalities, researchers, advisory services, and civil society to exchange knowledge on nature-based solutions for climate-resilient land management.
Within ARCADIA, Region Wagram acts as a living laboratory, addressing the
challenge of “too much water – too little water” in rural landscapes. The event
provided a platform to discuss how soil protection, improved water retention, and landscape structures can strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems under changing climate conditions.
Programme highlights included:
- Expert presentations on future climate risks and strategies to address water scarcity and heavy rainfall by GeoSphere Austria and the Federal Agency for Water Management
- Examples of soil-conserving agricultural practices by the Lower Austrian Chamber of Agriculture
- Information on support programmes and advisory services provided by the Agrarbezirksbehörde
- A contribution by Ecological Gardening (Natur im Garten), highlighting the role of trees and green spaces in improving microclimates, biodiversity, and water retention
- A panel discussion on regional lighthouse projects and local implementation approaches
A particularly inspiring example presented during the event is the development of a local biotope network in Absdorf through the extension of multi-purpose hedgerows on church-owned land. These green corridors provide multiple ecosystem services, including yield stabilisation, reduced wind erosion, improved water retention, and habitats for birds and insects.
The initiative illustrates how agricultural land-use planning and cooperation between municipalities, farmers, the church, and public authorities can support the implementation of nature-based solutions at the regional scale.
Key takeaway
- Strengthening climate resilience requires cross-sector collaboration and joint action at the local level.
- Healthy soils are a key foundation for resilient agriculture and sustainable regional development.