On March 12–13, a delegation from the Swedish region of Skåne visited Lower Austria as part of the EU Horizon project ARCADIA.
The programme was jointly organised by the Energy and Environment Agency of Lower Austria (eNu), the Agricultural District Authority (NÖ ABB), and “Natur im Garten”, who also curated the site visits and discussions. Project partners GeoSphere Austria, the Government of Lower Austria (Land NÖ), and ecoplus also participated.
During the two-day exchange, the delegation explored innovative local approaches to climate change adaptation. The visit showcased how sustainable, nature-based solutions implemented at the community level in Lower Austria can serve as a model for other European regions.
The visit included in-depth explorations of pioneering NBS initiatives such as multifunctional hedgerows in the Wagram region, demonstrating how traditional ecological knowledge combined with modern management techniques can support biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience. In Tulln, delegates witnessed firsthand the implementation of sponge city concepts designed to manage stormwater sustainably, mitigate flood risks, and enhance urban greenery and liveability.
The event’s core strength lay in the collaborative dialogue it fostered between municipalities, researchers, and policymakers. Discussions revealed powerful insights into leveraging local actions for broader European environmental goals, underscoring the interconnected nature of climate adaptation strategies.
Special appreciation goes out to guests from Helsingborg, Lund, Malmö, Uppsala, and the Sustainable Business Hub Skåne, whose contributions and perspectives sparked productive discussions and laid the foundation for ongoing cooperation and exchange.
To learn more about the ARCADIA project and explore its diverse partners across Europe, visit: ARCADIA Partners.
