Kick-off of the OPTAIN Regional Dialogues: Advancing Climate Resilient Water and Nutrient Management in European Agricultural Landscapes

As climate change accelerates, agricultural landscapes across Europe face growing challenges in managing water resources effectively. The OPTAIN project (OPTimal strategies to retAIN and re-use water and nutrients in small agricultural catchments) is dedicated to developing and optimizing Natural/Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRMs) to enhance climate resilience and ensure sustainable water and nutrient use in farming.

While the Multi-Actor Reference Groups (MARGs) serve as the primary mechanism for stakeholder engagement at the case study level, the Regional Dialogues provide an additional platform for higher-level policy discussions and knowledge exchange across broader biogeographic regions (Continental, Pannonian and Boreal). These dialogues bring together decision-makers, researchers, and practitioners to exchange on how NSWRMs can be effectively integrated into policy frameworks and scaled up for greater impact.

The kick-off of the Regional Dialogues took place during the international conference "Fostering Regional Drought Resilience in South-East Europe," held on February 5–6, 2025, in Brdo pri Kranju, in Slovenia. The OPTAIN project was presented during a panel discussion, highlighting the role of NSWRMs in drought mitigation through improved water and nutrient retention.

At the conference’s marketplace, participants had the opportunity to engage with project representatives and explore how NSWRMs contribute to agricultural and environmental sustainability. This event provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness and strengthen regional cooperation in Continental biogeographic regions.

Regional Dialogues are a platform for policy exchange and complement the work of the MARGs by facilitating cross-regional exchange on the implementation and policy integration of NSWRMs. These discussions focus on ensuring that project findings are aligned with local and European policy frameworks, helping to connect research and practical application.

The dialogues aim to:

• Increase the capacity of decision-makers to implement NSWRMs effectively, while contributing to climate-resilient agricultural catchments
• Facilitate the exchange of best practices between countries with different policy backgrounds and regulatory approaches

• Strengthen the integration of NSWRMs into national and EU-level water and agricultural policies

By addressing challenges and opportunities, these dialogues support the broader goal of harmonizing water and nutrient management strategies across Europe.

Upcoming Dialogues and Key Events

Building on the momentum from the Slovenia conference, the next Continental Regional Dialogue will take place from April 23–25, 2025, at the ICPDR Expert Group meeting in Sarajevo. This event will focus on transboundary water and agriculture management in The Danube River Basin and the OPTAIN will provide a platform for an inclusive dialogue on the topic of NSWRMs in integrated river basin planning.

The Pannonian Regional Dialogue event is planned for 22 May 2025, as an additional contribution to International Biodiversity Day since the OPTAIN project through its activities indirectly supports ecosystem health and biodiversity protection. This session will highlight the benefits of NSWRMs, emphasizing their role in enhancing soil health, and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes.

The Boreal Regional Dialogue is planned for autumn 2025, to ensure that discussions incorporate the latest insights from ongoing NSWRM modeling work. The dialogue provides an opportunity for national and regional stakeholders to support science-based decision-making on NSWRM implementation.

The OPTAIN Regional Dialogues provide a unique opportunity for policymakers, scientists, and practitioners to collaborate on sustainable water and nutrient management strategies. By fostering cross-regional dialogue, these events ensure that scientific findings and practical experiences inform policy development and strengthen on-the-ground implementation.

As the project progresses, engagement with regional and EU stakeholders will be a key in ensuring that NSWRMs become a mainstream solution for water security and climate adaptation in agricultural landscapes on a European level.

Author: Ivana Korn Varga

Photos Credits: Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Energy of Republic of Slovenia