Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2025-12-17

Description

Description (EN):

Danube Region is affected by natural disasters resulting from climate change, increasing the intensity and frequency of heat waves, droughts, fire incidents, and heavy rainfalls with flash floods on local level. Since 75% of the region’s population lives in cities, these anomalies put the citizens at particular risk. Local community leaders must be prepared for these weather anomalies. Urban water management have so far mainly followed traditional approaches, including large-scale gray infrastructure investments, lacking innovation and the exploitation of ecosystem services. Their social acceptance is usually hindered as citizens are not involved in design and testing. Settlements have different micro-climatic, infrastructural, financial, legal and social backgrounds in DR, but they all need support in forecasting local climate risks and identifying effective interventions. Transnational cooperation is needed for this knowledge exchange and for mainstreaming the conclusions to macroregional level. The cross-sectoral partnership aims to spread the Sponge City concept in DR to answer these challenges. A sponge city is an urban area which has been designed to cope with excess rainfall using a variety of techniques. It mitigates/prevents urban floods by providing the area with the ability to naturally absorb the water. It reduces the extent of impermeable surfaces and increases the amount of absorbent land: green surfaces, green walls, bioswales, inner-city lakes, rain gardens, permeable pavements. Supplementing this approach with channelling and storage systems also helps to counter water shortages. The project analyses the hydroclimatic characteristics and water management practices of 12 pilot settlements, sets up a toolbox to support the planning of sponge city measures, tests and promotes the tools by participative elaboration of local action plans, feasibility studies and demonstration investments. Partners mainstream the results to national and EU level.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The first six months of the SpongeCity project were about laying the ground for joint work. On the one hand, most of the partners did not know each other before, so at the kick-off meeting we focused on getting to know each organisation's profile and professional experience, and on clarifying what each of them expected from the project over the next 30 months. We also had to clarify the detailed content and expected results of each task, which was only possible up to a certain level during the preparation of the project. In particular, we focused on the details of the development and use of two innovative solutions, the online toolbox (https://spongecity.sen2cube.at/) and the raingarden. Of course, we could not neglect to explain the administrative tasks, as several partner organisations are involved for the first time in the implementation of DRP or even Interreg projects. So our first task was to organize the kick-off meeting, which took place in Pécs and Kapronca, jointly organized by PTE and KC VODE between 2024.02.20-21. As PLUS and KC VODE had a more important role in the thematic tasks of the first semester, PTE organised a bilateral meetings with the two organisations before the small-off meeting to clarify the technical details (PLUS: 31/01/2024 online; KC VODE: 11/01/2024 at Pécs). At the kick-off, after the presentation of EUSDR Environmental Risks Priority Area coordinator, partners were asked to sit to small tables, introduce themselves and their goals. Table members moved to different tables every 10 minutes, so everyone had the opportunity to talk to each partner: it became clear to everyone who was competent in what topic. In next step partners discussed all project activities, with special attention on the pilot investments of the project, i.e. the raingardens, and the most important support for Danube municipalities: the toolbox. The first day was closed by a study trip at the campus of PTE, introducing flash flood experiments and the location of the raingarden, where the work has already started in January. Next day, partners visited KC VODE in Herešin to understand their water management processes and visit the Croatian pilot site. Some additional questions on the raingardens and metering devices were discussed at lunch. On 22/02/2024, PTE organised another in person bilateral meeting with PLUS, where the structure of the questionnaires analysing the geographical and infrastructural analysis of the target areas of the 12 countries was discussed. The details were further agreed in an online meeting (26/03/2024) with involving also KC VODE, who was responsible for leading the survey of water management practices. The three partners agreed to create an online form with a joint definition of the questions. The questionnaire would be commented and filled in by all partners and the results would be used as input for the Geographical and infrastructural surveys and Water management analyses. The geographical survey was delivered in early April, the questionnaires are available at https://forms.office.com/e/4G1u9qKQ3U and https://forms.office.com/e/QF60pLtLH5. Meanwhile partners realized that as rainwater harvesting is applied only at a basic level (reservoirs) at most of the partners, it is not possible to introduce such processes in detail. Instead, the available capacity for rainwater harvesting will be analysed, complemented by a brief description of the pilot municipalities. For the first part, partners were able to use the infrastructure responses, while the introduction of the settlements was achieved through the production of pilot flyers and an online map (https://zgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/attachmentviewer/index.html?appid=60b191b74f7345bbbcfd852a91f4f609). During the first period, partners also had to select 180 settlements that will be involved in the testing of the toolbox and invited for the trainings at a later stage of the project. Partners have so far identified 178 settlements, and the Slovenian partners plan to expand their list in the next period. While the grounds for the thematic work’s coordination were set by establishing the Transnational Working Group at the kick off, some further information had to be collected on the management processes. Therefore, PTE attended at the Lead Partner seminar of DRP in Belgrade (24-25/04/2024). At the event the coordinator had the chance to get in touch with other projects focusing on environmental risk, and these contacts were successfully maintained. On local level, partner organised regional stakeholder meetings and informed wider public through different media appearances. Although it was planned for early 2025, PTE has already created the grounds for the pilot investments of Koprivnica, Satu Mare and Livada by constructing the raingarden at Pécs in 90% (only plants and information boards are missing) and compiling a detailed specification for the partners who will create the same raingardens in their counties. The project SpongeCity is about "Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the "Sponge City" methodology on transnational level", it has started in Jan 2024. The aim of the 13 partners is to help municipalities in the Danube Region to prepare for climate change-induced flash floods and droughts by proposing ecosystem-based, green interventions and investments. As a result of the project, 33 organisations directly receive information on innovative hydrometeorological monitoring and modelling, ecosystem-based water capturing and harvesting measures, challenges of other DR cities in terms of legal, financial and social obstacles during planning and implementing urban environmental risk prevention actions. But the network developed by the project is much wider than that: partners are providing training to 180 municipalities. The project was developed by the partners on the basis that during the past decade climate change became a pressing issue for urban areas. An increasing number of people are living in agglomerations, which developed into more surface sealed areas. Extreme weather situations became more frequent and caused flash floods and water scarcity and/or droughts. To concentrate on challenges in the Danube Region, 12 pilot sites have been defined - one in each participating country - to collect and investigate different demands caused by geographical and infrastructural characteristics of the pilot sites. The pilot sites vary in size, population and sealing rate: the project encompasses over 1,5 million of people and over 750 km2, from smallest municipality of Kranj, Slovenia and largest Chisinau, Moldova. Objectives are to identify and understand the demands of the different settlements, and to develop scalable user specific solutions based on the demands.The partnership started the work by analysing the 12 pilot settlements to understand their geographical, hydrological, infrastructural characteristics. The locations show different topography, climatic and underground conditions. In general, we found that spongecity-like interventions are still not common. However, from discussing the size and the local distribution of the pilot sites we learned that different spatial-temporal scales have their value of interest. Having defined a large area does not necessarily mean, always being required to take on action on the whole area. Depending on the question of interest, internal city processes should be put in relation to outer urban areas. The findings of the studies will be the starting point for the local action plans that will be prepared for the pilot settlements to demonstrate the proposed ecosystem-based interventions. The action plans will also be accompanied by a best practice catalogue, which provides ideas for selecting the most appropriate investments. Each municipality will select one of the measures proposed by the local action plan, for which a detailed feasibility study will be carried out. The structure of this has been defined by the partnership, with action plans to be developed by December 2025 and feasibility studies by spring 2026. The situation analysis and investment planning work will also be supported by an online toolkit, which will allow the municipalities involved to analyse surface changes in recent years using satellite imagery and identify areas at risk of flash flooding. Of particular interest are for instance the increase of surface sealed areas, the reduction of green space and the spatial-temporal developments of surface waterbodies. The beta version of the toolkit is ready and will be tested in the second half of 2025. More information is available at https://spongecity.sen2cube.at/ The necessary interventions will be exemplified by the partners through demonstration investments: four rain gardens of identical design will be constructed, in which water balance measurements will be taken for different parameters (soil moisture, rainfall, overflow, etc.). The measurements will be used to determine the optimal design of the rain gardens to be constructed for urban water conservation. The Hungarian rain garden was built in 2025 on the University of Pécs campus in Pécs. This will be followed by the construction of three more rain gardens from the second half of 2025 in Croatia, Slovenia and Romania. We pay particular attention on spreading our experiences on transnational level, therefore we regularly present our progress at the events of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region’s Environmental Risks priority area. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pilot settlements: https://zgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/attachmentviewer/index.html?appid=60b191b74f7345bbbcfd852a91f4f609 Measurement data of the raingardens (for authorized users): https://zentracloud.com/accounts/login/?next=/ Cities across the Danube Region (DR) face two connected challenges: summers are becoming hotter because of the urban heat island effect, and heavy rainfall often overwhelms stormwater systems, leading to flash floods. Both problems are intensified by the way cities have expanded, covering more land with asphalt and concrete. These surfaces trap heat and block water from soaking into the ground. The SpongeCity project brings together 12 cities and their local partners – including municipalities, universities, and utility companies – to learn from each other and adopt nature-based solutions. By creating “sponge cities,” we can keep rainwater where it falls, cool down streets and buildings, and reduce flood risks. The project’s main tools include an online planning toolbox, local action plans (LAPs) for each participating city, feasibility studies, and later on, training programs and demonstration projects. During Period 3, a major step forward was the promotion and testing of the online toolbox, a practical digital tool to help cities analyze their land cover and plan better rainwater retention measures. The toolbox provides easy access to maps, data, and charts that help cities understand where water can be absorbed and how to reduce flood risks. Initially, the toolbox was tested in six pilot areas, but it was later expanded to all 12 participating cities. Early versions were found to be too complex, so the team at PLUS redesigned the tool with a simpler, more user-friendly interface. Partners organised an online workshop in April, where 35 municipal and utility experts tried out the toolbox and provided valuable feedback. Their input led to several improvements, making the tool more intuitive and better suited to local needs. By the end of Period 3, the toolbox was available online at https://spongecity.zgis.at, accompanied by a clear user guide. Translations of the guide into national languages are planned for the next period. This achievement is particularly important because the toolbox will guide the preparation of Local Action Plans and feasibility studies, which will help cities integrate sponge-city solutions into their everyday planning. To reach as many stakeholders as possible, the project team used a mix of communication channels: updates on the project website, online media posts, and in-person events. A total of 17 regional stakeholder meetings were held across the partner countries, where participants – from city planners to water utility managers and academics – discussed the concept of sponge cities, and practical solutions such as rain gardens. One highlight of this period was the in-person Transnational Working Group (TWG) meeting in Zaječar, Serbia, in March. Partners reviewed progress and finances, shared lessons learned, and discussed how to structure the LAPs, feasibility studies and training materials. Four additional TWG meetings were held online between February and June to keep the work moving smoothly. Nature-based solutions are not just theory – they are being put into practice. By the end of period 3, two partners – PTE and KC VODE – completed the construction of rain gardens in their cities. These green spaces collect rainwater, allow it to soak into the ground, and help cool the urban environment. The new rain gardens were promoted in local media and on the project website, showing residents and decision-makers that sponge-city measures are not only possible but also effective and attractive. Although large-scale training activities for municipal staff and citizens are planned for later phases, work on them began in Period 3. A survey of 47 stakeholders revealed strong interest in green infrastructure and sponge-city approaches, as well as a preference for learning through study visits and practical examples. These findings are shaping the training materials currently being developed by ASPECT and PTE. Another important outcome of this period was the refinement of the structure for Local Action Plans. Initially, different national definitions of an “action plan” made it difficult to agree on a common template. However, after in-depth discussions at the Zaječar meeting and follow-up consultations, a practical and harmonized structure was approved in May. The project also strengthened ties with other initiatives. At a synergy-building workshop in April, the lead partner, PTE, presented SpongeCity’s achievements and initiated collaboration with the MAURICE project on future joint activities. Period 3 was a turning point for the SpongeCity project. The foundations for success – a functioning toolbox, engaged stakeholders, first practical interventions, and a clear framework for action plans – are now in place. In the next period, the project will build on this progress by preparing detailed Local Action Plans, conducting feasibility studies, training municipal experts and citizens, and expanding the network of cities committed to sponge-city solutions.

Project outputs: Establishment of transnational SpongeCity community to improve environmental monitoring in urban areas and promote ecosystem-based water retention measures in the Danube Region (EN)
Local 'Sponge City' Action plans elaborated, peer-reviewed by project partners and citizens, and endorsed (EN)
Elaborating, testing, finetuning and spreading Sponge City Toolbox for improved hydroclimatic monitoring and planning innovative, ecosystem-based water retention measures in urban areas(EN)
Implementing small-scale demonstration investments in HU, RO, HR and SI with citizen involvement (co-designing, testing) to test the local action plans, the toolbox and showcase sponge city actions(EN)
Transnational knowledge on the construction and effectiveness of rain gardens under different hydrogeological conditions(EN)

Thematic information

Managing natural and man-made threats, risk management Climate change and biodiversity Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-B_D_2) Priority 2 - A greener, low- carbon Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 060 Adaptation to climate change measures and prevention and management of climate related risks: others, e.g. storms and drought (including awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches)

Partners (13)

Lead Partner: Pécsi Tudományegyetem

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 19308681-2-02

Department: Directorate of Grants, Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and IT

Address: Vasvári P, 7622 Pécs, Hungary

Department address: Szántó Kovács János , 7633 Pécs, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://international.pte.hu/

Total budget: EUR 210 550.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 168 440.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 110.00

E-zavod

Name: E-zavod

Department: N/A

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI-46683518

Address: Čučkova, 2250 Ptuj, Slovenia

Department address: Čučkova, 2250 Ptuj, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.ezavod.si

Total budget: EUR 108 900.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 87 120.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 780.00

Asociația de Dezvoltare Intercomunitară Județul Satu Mare

Name: Asociația de Dezvoltare Intercomunitară Județul Satu Mare

Department: Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 34007526

Address: Piata 25 Octombrie , 440162 Satu Mare, Romania

Department address: Piata 25 Octombrie , 440162 Satu Mare, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://www.adijudetulsatumare.ro

Total budget: EUR 164 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 131 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 900.00

Glavni grad Podgorica

Name: Glavni grad Podgorica

Department: Secretariat for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02019710

Address: Njegoševa , 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: Vuka Karadžića, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.podgorica.me

Total budget: EUR 148 420.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 118 736.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 684.00

АСПЕКТ - Мениджмънт и междукултурни отношения

Name: АСПЕКТ - Мениджмънт и междукултурни отношения

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 201354317

Address: Studenetz , 4004 Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Website: http://www.aspectmir.eu

Total budget: EUR 142 470.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 113 976.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 494.00

RARIS - Regionalna agencija za razvoj istočne Srbije

Name: RARIS - Regionalna agencija za razvoj istočne Srbije

Department: n/a

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 105019649

Address: Trg Oslobodjenja, 19000 Zaječar, Serbia

Department address: Trg Oslobodjenja, 19000 Zaječar, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://www.raris.org

Total budget: EUR 159 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 127 520.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 880.00

Contractors:

Name: VR Consult Knjazevac
VAT registration or tax identification number: 111084477
Name: Marija Jocipovic PR Mineum
VAT registration or tax identification number: 113098645

Primăria Municipiului Chișinău

Name: Primăria Municipiului Chișinău

Department: General Directorate of Architecture, Urbanism and Land Relations

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1007601010323

Address: Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard, MD-2012 Chisinau, Moldova

Department address: Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard, MD-2012 Chisinau, Moldova

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://chisinau.md/

Total budget: EUR 157 770.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 126 216.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 554.00

Contractors:

Name: First Audit International SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1003600060677

Sveučilište u Mostaru

Name: Sveučilište u Mostaru

Department: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy/Departmen of Hydrotehnich

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 227088130005

Address: Trg hrvatskih velikana, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Matice hrvatske , 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.sum.ba

Total budget: EUR 150 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 120 240.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 060.00

Univerzita sv. Cyrila a Metoda v Trnave vysoká škola

Name: Univerzita sv. Cyrila a Metoda v Trnave vysoká škola

Department: Faculty of Social Sciences / Faculty of Natural Sciences

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK 2021385861

Address: Námestie J. Herdu , 91701 Trnava , Slovakia

Department address: Bučianska , 91701 Trnava, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.ucm.sk

Total budget: EUR 175 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 140 080.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 020.00

Městská část Praha 9

Name: Městská část Praha 9

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ00063894

Address: Sokolovská , 19000 Prague, Czech Republic

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.praha9.cz/

Total budget: EUR 129 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 103 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 25 900.00

BSC, Poslovno podporni center d.o.o. Kranj

Name: BSC, Poslovno podporni center d.o.o. Kranj

Department: N/A

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI32865597

Address: Cesta Staneta Žagarja, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia

Department address: Cesta Staneta Žagarja, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.bsc-kranj.si

Total budget: EUR 146 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 116 960.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 240.00

Paris-Lodron Universität Salzburg

Name: Paris-Lodron Universität Salzburg

Department: Department of Geoinformatics (Z_GIS)

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU57532824

Address: Kapitelgasse, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Department address: Schillerstr. (Building 15, 3rd Floor), 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.plus.ac.at

Total budget: EUR 184 519.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 147 615.36

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 36 903.84

Koprivničke vode d.o.o.

Name: Koprivničke vode d.o.o.

Department: Central laboratory and water catchment

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR20998990299

Address: Mosna ulica , 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia

Department address: Mosna ulica , 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: https://www.kcvode.hr

Total budget: EUR 150 880.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 120 704.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 176.00

Contractors:

Name: Komunalac Koprivnica
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR41412434130
Name: Enter Koprivnica d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR74249041153
Name: Kosinus
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR38945119308
Name: Željka Brkić
VAT registration or tax identification number: 47160265315
Name: Komunalac Koprivnica d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR41412434130
Name: Cro travel travel agency
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR55640712945
Name: Komunalac d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR41412434130
Name: BMD stil d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR96086822394
Name: Stimo d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR50546676950
Name: Anik d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR79567793523
Name: Reklam
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR91100616012
Name: Tatjana Uzelac
VAT registration or tax identification number: 72021663696
Name: Reklam
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR91100616012
Name: Livicon
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR16513545059

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

E-institute

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

Asociația de Dezvoltare Intercomunitară Județul Satu Mare

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

The Capital City Podgorica

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

ASPECT - Management and Intercultural Relations

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

RARIS - Regional Development Agency of Eastern Serbia

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

Chisinau City Hall

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

University of Mostar

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava College

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Prague 9

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

BSC, Business support centre Ltd., Kranj

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

Paris-Lodron University Salzburg

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

Koprivnica water supply LLC

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Partners and Projects info

University of Pécs

Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

Project acronym: SpongeCity

Project ID: DRP0200159

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Interreg ADRION MUHA Project (Multihazard framework for water related risks management) is related to the SpongeCity primary subject (https://adriseismic.adrioninterreg.eu/tag/muha-project).The MUHA project connect the observed and modelled hazards and risks related to the integrated water cycle with the existing and improved coping capacity. (EN) | SpongeCity will analyse the risks identified by the project and complete the analysis with GIS tool and suggestions on ecosystem-based water capturing and retention interventions. (EN), PLUS Department of Geoinformatics – Z_GIS is strongly research driven and running many projects in parallel. Sen2Cube.at – Sentinel-2 Semantic Data and Information Cube Austria and AIFER – Artificial intelligence for analysis and fusion of remote sensing and internet data for decision support in emergency management are among others two projects relevant for Sponge City. (EN) | Sen2Cube is managing space borne data to inform on the continuously changing conditions of the environment. Among the changes are the measurements of surface sealing. These are predominantly relevant (negative) areas for keeping extensive rainfall in retention areas.
AIFER has proven to operate an early warning system based on digital data infrastructures. Sen2Cube provides such a data input for these kinds of immediate response system, which enable in time decision support based on latest avaiable knowledge.
Coping with disaster events (such as floods) have recently been tested in a big exercise at TechnoZ Itzling with blue light organisations and many people responsible a different decision making levels. This demonstrates PLUS being engaged in applied research with a focus on pro-active disaster management in a very active network of stakeholders at decision making levels ranging from municipalities to the City Council of Salzburg and the Federal State level. Turning data to information and stakeholder relevant information ensures an immediate operationalisation of action plans. Datasets like up-to-date knowledge on surface sealed areas could be generated through automated services running on the Sen2Cube cloud service. Similar services could be provided for city-based retention basins relevant for water storage during extreme events. (EN), RENATUR INTERREG EUROPE project
BSC is partner in RENATUR, addressing the suburban green areas where multiple challenged of the areas were addressed; biodiversity, climate change including mitigation of climate change. The loss of peri-urban open spaces and the natural heritage within them, can be prevented by timely, political and planning co-operation beyond administrative borders. The overall objective of the RENATUR project is to develop improved policy instruments suitable to protect the natural heritage of peri-urban open spaces. Those policies will help to:
-better protect peri-urban ecosystems and their services;
-better conserve biodiversity and reduce the biodiversity loss in the extend of peri-urban areas
-reduce the soil sealing in peri-urban areas;
-work against further fragmentation of natural ecosystems in the extend of peri-urban areas and improve natural ecosystems connectivity;
-better introduce the green infrastructure concept in land-use planning of peri-urban landscapes. (EN) | SpongeCity will check the methodologies and databases used in RENTAUR and create an added value by better focusing on one hazard: flash floods. In addition it will provide the datacube based GIS tool and suggestions on ecosystem-based water capturing and retention interventions. (EN), Prague 9 was involved in The urban network and citizen participation in the European water protection project. The project was led by the Municipality of Ruma, Serbia/Opština Ruma and lasted between 2016-2018.
The "H20 WR" project focuses on water resource protection, civil defence and better citizen participation in public and civil actions that target water resources. The aim of the project is to increase citizen participation in actions aimed at improving water quality, environmental protection and civil defence.
The specific objectives: 1) To raise citizens' awareness of how to apply EU values and approaches to protect water resources and protect communities from natural threats; 2) To improve cooperation between cities in implementing measures that protect water resources and citizens from natural threats
For the Partnership, water resource protection and civil flood protection are essential for regional development and quality of life. Currently, water resources are affected by a number of threats such as industrial activities, unregulated dumping, frequent flooding, lack of proper infrastructure, etc. In order to eliminate these threats, citizens should be more involved in public actions and policy making regarding water resources. Currently, European citizens are pessimistic about the future of water quality in Europe. In the EU, 47% of citizens fear that water quality will deteriorate in the long term. In Serbia, an EU accession country, citizens' views are generally negative. 56% of citizens surveyed believe that economic conditions will worsen due to EU membership and that agriculture (a key economic sector) will deteriorate due to restrictive environmental legislation.
(EN) | As part of better cooperation, the project partners formed a partnership network that addressed water resource protection and better citizen engagement. SpongeCity will use thses grounds for mobilizing stakeholders and cizitens. In addition it will provide the datacube based GIS tool and suggestions on ecosystem-based water capturing and retention interventions. (EN), UCM, International Visegrad Fund project: Adopting good practices to improve regional environmental or climate plans in an innovative way (EN) | SpongeCity will capitalize from the network already created at Mostar for climate plans, and as an added value it will provide an action plan, and a feasibility study for one particular area of climate protection. (EN), Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy University of Mostar finished two projects of water management for EU funds (http://e-ucenje.gf.sum.ba/predmeti/attachments/article/6501/FGAG-reference-znanstveni_2011-2017-2.pdf):
2013. :IM-BE FIELD, SUISTANABLE USE OF WATER RESOURCES IN IMOTSKO-BEKIJSKO FIELD, IDEJNO RJEŠENJE 2013 OPĆINA GRUDE, IPA 2007-2013 CROSSBORDER COOPERATION PROGRAMME CROATIA-BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, FUNDED BY EU PROGRAMME
2015.- BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ADRIATIC SEA PROTECTION, EU funds
(EN) | The main added value expected from the project is the link between climate change and the way to reduce the pressure of precipitation on the urban catchment, reduce runoff coefficients and the amount of swollen water on rivers in the catchment area. At the same time, ensure the storage of water for watering the greenery in the city at a time when there is not enough precipitation. The concept is recognized as a necessity in the fight against climate change and the achievement of sustainable growth and development of an urban entity (EN), EU support to reforms in water sector services in Serbia
https://waterreform.euzatebe.rs
The purpose of the project is to support reforms in the water sector and contribute to improving efficiency in the provision of water services. During the project activities, the organisation and business of public utility companies, which deal with the provision of water services, will be analysed and a model for their reorganisation and business improvement will be developed.
SpongeCity project may presents to the Project and project beneficiaries (more than 20 municipalities in Serbia) its own results.
This project initiates and support reforms in water sector so all project beneficiaries will be more open to consider and use the results SpongeCity project.
(EN) | This project initiates and support reforms in water sector so all project beneficiaries will be more open to consider and use the results SpongeCity project. The added value provided by SpongeCity is the same as desrcibed above: focusing on a specific problem, elaborating detailed action pland and feasibility studies, introducing the spongecity actions by demonstraton investments, and providing an easy-to-use online toolbox with GIS and decision support modul for settlements. (EN), "Water Security Diagnostic Initiative.”
The World Bank initiated in 2017 the so-called “Water Security Diagnostic Initiative.” This initiative intends to produce diagnostic reports that dive deeper into water challenges in a country and engage policymakers to develop strategies and actions to improve water security.
Such country water security assessments are built on the so-called “Water Security Diagnostic Framework (WSDF).” The WSDF is intended to establish a consistent and structured approach to diagnosing water security without being overly prescriptive. (EN) | The approach recognizes that not all water-related challenges are equally significant in their impacts on people, ecosystems and economies, but that a consistent approach is essential to identify the most severe risks and most excellent unexploited opportunities, facilitate global comparisons and benchmark between countries.
In this context, the World Bank Water Security Initiative applies the WSDF to Europe and Central Asia (ECA). Specifically, it is undertaking several deep-dive assessment reports for various countries, including Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. These reports will also provide priority actions for enhancing water security.
“Water Security Diagnostic Initiative in Serbia was launched in 2022. SpongeCity project may presents to the Project its own results.
This project will produce some results useful for SpongeCity project.
The added value provided by SpongeCity is the same as desrcibed above: focusing on a specific problem, elaborating detailed action pland and feasibility studies, introducing the spongecity actions by demonstraton investments, and providing an easy-to-use online toolbox with GIS and decision support modul for settlements. (EN), Asset Management Advisory Services to Water Utilities in South-Eastern Europe
Project program provides direct technical assistance, a state-of-the art software solution and extensive capacity building for Integrated Asset Management to water utilities from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. This Project was part of the Danube Learning Partnership D-Leap, a regional, integrated and sustainable capacity building initiative of national water utility associations and the International Association of Water Supply Companies in the Danube River Catchment Area (IAWD). Project was implemented by GIZ, from January 2017 to November 2021,
One of our ASP - UTVSI Association for water technology and sanitary engineering, was the expert Hub for Serbia.
(EN) | We will use analysis and experience gain from this project in SpongeCity project. The added value provided by SpongeCity is the same as desrcibed above: focusing on a specific problem, elaborating detailed action plans and feasibility studies, introducing the spongecity actions by demonstraton investments, and providing an easy-to-use online toolbox with GIS and decision support modul for settlements.
(EN), ASPECT was involved in the activity concerning fire and natural hazards intime of COVID 19. The goal of the project is to prepare Action model for organizing and managing volunteer activities in support of the fight against natural disasters in complex conditions. Undoubtedly, the fight against natural disasters of different nature requires high professionalism, the use of various technical means, as well as specialized training.
The material concerns volunteering in rescue activity on local level during the period of lockdown connected with COVID-19 in two important areas:
Forest fires;
Such natural hazards as floods and slides
The area, where this activity took place is Rhodope mountain. In that area in 2020 happened serial hazards - forest fire nearthe small town. The forest fires started to become danger for houses fires. Later in the same area heavy rains initiated floodsand slides. All these activated many volunteers from this small town as well as outside people. The insiders motivation was natural because they have to defend theirs own families and houses. The motivation of the outsiders was born by pure humanitarian impetus. In the rescue activity there was also third input - the state and local authority support especially in thecase of the necessary heavy equipment, without which several types of inevitable works would be impossible.
(EN) | The project will foster sustainable development at the teritorrial level by supporting the circular economy principles, addaptation to climate change and advanced thehnologies. The project will aslo incorporate sustainable practicies and engagament of stakeholders and its contribution to raising the quality of life in local community, that is very important especialy in crucial times such as periods of natural disasters. The active and prepared participation of people in the fight against natural disasters means less negative consequences and faster recovery if these natural disasters occur.
SpongeCity will support commuity organising activities by the public workshops and trainings for citizens. (EN), In Podgorica, the following currently running projects are dealing with the issues covered by the SpongeCity project:
- TRIBUTE - Integrated and innovative actions for sustainable urban mobility upgrade (within European transnational programme Interreg ADRION) – Capital City Podgorica participates as project partner
- CLIMABOROUGH - Building Green and Climate Neutral City-Hubs (within Horizon Europe) - Capital City Podgorica participates as associated partner
- EU4 Energy Transition: Covenant of Mayors in the Western Balkans and Turkey (jointly co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) – Capital City Podgorica is beneficiary in terms of being provided with consultant support for development of Sustainable Climate and Energy Action Plan SECAP
Projects implemented in the last two years dealing with the issues directly or indirectly dealing with the issues covered by the SpongeCity project:
- Assessing the potential for green roofs, façades and de-sealing of surfaces in Podgorica, Montenegro – supported by European Investment Bank through City Gap Fund; Capital City was beneficiary in terms of being provided with consultant support for development of prefeasibility study
- I.N.G.R.I.D. – Development of Energy Efficiency Sustainable Network of Cities and Municipalities in Cross Border Area (within IPA CBC Interreg HR-BA-ME 2014-2020) – Capital City Podgorica participated as project partner
- COMMAND d - Commanding ; Operations Mechanism for Multi-sectoral Analysis of Nexus Disaster Data (within EU Civil protection mechanism) – Capital City Podgorica participated as project partner
(EN) | The main added valued to these projects expected from SpongeCity project is related to ecosystem-based approach as a new perspective which has not been profoundly implemented in Podgorica. Namely, this concept has been recognized as necessary and useful toll in combating climate changes and achieving sustainable development in general but still has not been thoroughly implemented in practice i.e. taken into account while developing relevant strategies and action plan. (EN), H2020 UPSURGE project
E-zavod is a lead partner of H2020 project UPSURGE with main objective to build the EU Regenerative Urban Lighthouse as a reference framework offering guided support on how tested and verified Nature Based Solutions can be strategically implemented to significantly improve the multitude of problems faced by cities. (EN) | Sponge City project is synergetic with UPSURGE Lighthouse and will contribute to knowledge and practice-based European framework created on real-life tested NBS practices implemented by different innovative EU cities. Added value provided by SpongeCity is the same as desrcibed above: focusing on a specific problem, elaborating detailed action pland and feasibility studies, introducing the spongecity actions by demonstraton investments, and providing an easy-to-use online toolbox with GIS and decision support modul for settlements. (EN), LP just finished a Horizon 2020 financed project on sustainable cropping systems: DIVERFARMING - Crop diversification and low-input farming cross Europe: from practitioners' engagement and ecosystems services to increased revenues and value chain organisation. As a result it created Decision Support Tool (web-based and free app), which places the best research results in the hands of end-users, who are guided to tailor the most suitable diversified cropping system, low-input practices and most adapted machinery to improve land productivity, revenues and ecosystem services, with mechanisms to adapt their value chains to new agribusiness models and market demands. A Protocol for the correct implementation of diversified systems, easy-to-follow by end-users was also developed. Two other outputs of the project are also relevant for SpongeCity: the Methodological guidelines with toolbox for value chain adaptation in response to innovative agribusiness models and market demands, and the “Communities of Practitioners” as volunteer early adopter farmers recruited to develop diversified cropping systems as real scenarios.
Another project was also just closed in Erasmus+ Program on WRB soil classification: SYStem - The WRB (World Reference Base for Soil Resources) is a soil classification system that facilitates interoperability between national soil classification systems and communication between soil professionals who speak different languages and use different soil classification systems. The SYStem project is based on the idea of creating an edutainment application that bases soil classification on the WRB. The mobile phone application's webpage will be populated with soil sections and soil level data, as well as section photos, and registered users will be able to upload such data. The users of the application can interact with each other and share their opinions on the characteristics of the soil surveys and section descriptions.
(EN) | The concept of DIVERFARMING project's decision making tool will be analysed, aspects will be cnanneled to SpongeCity toolbox, also the toolbox of the project will be analysed to adapt its aspects, datasources. The protocol's logic will be channeled to the action plans. The community building method will be adapted in SpongeCity.
From SYStem, mainly the measuring technologies, methods will be analysed and taken over for the raingarden investments. Building an online community and provingding the possibility for peer-to-peer communication on the results of the exminations will also serve as a good practice for SpongeCity.
The added value provided by SpongeCity is the same as desrcibed above: focusing on a specific problem, elaborating detailed action plans and feasibility studies, introducing the spongecity actions by demonstration investments, and providing an easy-to-use online toolbox with GIS and decision support modul for settlements. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 028 509.20

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 622 807.36

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Transnational Working Group
DR network of SpongeCity municipalities
Stakeholder involvement methodology
Regional stakeholder meetings
Transnational Working Group meetings
Geographical and infrastructural surveys
Joint comparative study on geographical and infrastructural features
Water management analyses
Joint comparative study on urban water management approaches
Best practice catalogue of ecosystem-based approaches
Training material for municipal staff
Educational material for citizens
Training sessions for local municipalities
Trainings for citizens
Experimental, educational city walks for introducing sponge city investments
Online spongecity campaign
Online toolbox
Guidelines for the toolbox
Local action plans
Peer reviews
Feasibility studies on planned spongecity investments
Evaluation reports on the demonstration investments
Public events for citizens
Toolbox assesment report
Joint assessment report with recommendations for related policies
Participating at regional, national, transnational thematic events to present spongecity tools

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project directly supports the achievement of the targets of PA5, which was acknowledged by the coordnators of the priority by issuing a Letter of Recommendation for SpongeCity. Regarding T1, it addresses the challenges of water scarcity and droughts in line with the Danube River Basin Management Plan. Above managing this question on city level, it also decreases the amount of water abstracted from
the Danube and its tributaries, which reach critically low water levels during the summer season, can also be reduced. Regarding T4, it increase the preparedness of local communicates to environmental disasters in urban areas, and thus, it also supports the sound operation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, as by spreading urban flood and drought prevention interventions, EU CPM needs to be activated less often, decreasing the load on the co-operating bodies.
EuropeanGreenDeal The project supports the EGD mainly in reaching its objectives to provide fresh air, clean water, healthy soil and biodiversity for EU's population. Applyin the ecosystem-based spongecity concept will make it possible to improve our living conditions and maintain a healthy environment. Flash flooding carries the greatest risk of injury or death due to flooding, as the sudden swell of water often catches people by surprise. Whether in an urban or rural area, flash flooding can present a number of hazards. There can be significant risks from slip and trip hazards beneath the water, as well as the risk of diseases and other contaminants which can be in the water in both urban and rural environments. We also have to mention that a number of infectious diseases, including gastrointestinal infections and hepatitis A, can spread through contact with surfaces contaminated by flood waters. The likelihood of illness increases when floodwater contains faecal material from overflowing sewerage systems, or agricultural or industrial wastes. In urban areas, drainage overflow can be a major source of pollution. It picks up potentially harmful substances from roads, factories, gutters and drains, including oil, household chemicals and faecal material, and transfers them to streets and urban watercourses. This water poses risks to human health as it may contain toxins and pathogens such as E. coli and the virus that causes hepatitis A. There is also an increased risk of wound infections, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and ear, nose and throat infections from polluted waters.
These risks can be significantly reduced by spongecity interventions.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The project supports the Healthy Environment priority of the Agenda by developing nature-based solutions for water capture and retention instead of 'gray' investments. By the APs, feasibility studies it prepares and by the demonstrational raingardens it directly implements invesments as elements of green and blue infrastructure networks that link ecosystems and protected areas in spatial planning, land management and other policies. The toolbox serves as a new crisis management tools to increase places’ safety and resilience, mainy against flash floods, but also against droughts and heat islands.
By motivating decision makers and urban planners to replace concrete and asphalt surfaces to green surfaces, it supprts the agenda in respecting the natural limits of Europe’s common livelihoods and increase the resilience of all places impacted by climate change.
SpongeCity organises stakeholder meetings for experts, piublic workshops and trainings for municipal staff and citizens to implement participative urban planning, Thus, it supports the agenda in concentrating on strengthening awareness and empowering local and regional communities to protect, rehabilitate, utilise and reutilise their (built) environments, landscapes, material and immaterial cultural assets and other unique values through instruments of EU Cohesion Policy,
Other LP: Nat Climate Change Strat (2008-2025, 2014-2025), Nat Water Strat, Nat Landscape Strat (2017-2026), Nat Dev and Territorial Dev Concept (2014-2030), Nat Settlement Policy, Nat Security Strat., Environmental and Energy Efficiency OP Plus. Targeted: Prime Minister’s Office.
PP2: Strat of the Water Man issued by the Hrvatske vode (HV). Targeted: HV
PP3: In AT Policies related to the project are partly governed by Federal States and different ministries Targeted: Federal Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology; and ministry related organisations (Environment Agency Austria, Geosphere Austria)
PP4, PP13: Slovenian Strat for Green Infrastructure 2013, Strat for adaptation on climate change (2021). Targeted: Ministry of Environment and Gorenjska Region.
PP5: Nat Climate Change Adaptation Strat, Nat Water Man Plan, Regional Dev Strat, Green Infrastructure Initiatives.
PP6: Nat Adaptation Strat, 2021-2023: The Strat of Adaptation of the Slovak Republic to Climate Change, Concept of Water Man Policy, Water Plan of Slovak Rep., Nat Biodiversity Strat, White Paper (2023): Water for Climate Healing: A new water paradigm, 2018: Greener Slovakia: Strat of environmental policy in Slovak republic 2030, Targeted: Ministry of Environment.
PP7: Climate Change Nat Adaptation Plan 2022, Law on Waters, Water Man Strat of fir Federation of BiH. Targeted: Council of Ministers of BiH.
PP9: Water Man Strat of Republic of Serbia 2017-2034. Targeted: Ministry of Environmental Protection
PP10: Disaster Protection Act, Spatial Planning Act, Water Act, Environmental Protection Act, Regional Dev Act, Nat Disaster Risk Reduction Strat 2018-2030. Targeted: Ministry of Interior.
PP11: Nat Strat for Sustainable Dev, Climate Changes Nat Strat, Flood Protection and Rescue Nat Plan. Targeted: Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism
PP12: 2023 the Nat Plan for the Risks of Floods. Targeted: Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Magyarország (HU), Pécs, Ifjúság, 6, 7624
Hrvatska (HR), Herešin, Marovska, X, 48000
România (RO), Livada, tbc, tbc, 447180
Slovenija (SI), Tržič, Cesta Ste Marie aux Mines, 1, 4290

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-17

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 139 (99.28%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 413 / 1 382 (102.24%)

Notes on the data

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Improving urban climate change adaptation capacities by testing and promoting the ‘sponge city’ methodology on transnational level

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Partners (13)

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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