THIRD WORKSHOP SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED WITHIN THE WATER-GUIDE PROJECT
The Public Scientific Research Institution Institute for Protection and Ecology of Republika Srpska successfully implemented the third stakeholder workshop within the WATER-GUIDE project on 12 June 2026 at the Pan-European University Apeiron in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The workshop focused on the validation and non-physical pilot testing of the guidelines for the revitalisation of the riverbank corridor and transitional zone along the Sava River embankment in Gradiška. The purpose was not to implement physical construction measures, but to assess the practical applicability of the proposed solutions through expert discussion, simulation-based review and structured stakeholder feedback.
Participants were presented with the main principles of the nature-based revitalisation guidelines, including opportunities for riparian vegetation restoration, improved ecological connectivity, nutrient retention, riverbank stabilisation and habitat enhancement. The discussion also emphasised the need to maintain flood-protection functions, embankment safety, inspection access and regular maintenance requirements.
A total of 44 participants were recorded, exceeding the planned minimum of 30 participants. Following the event, 39 completed evaluation questionnaires were collected.
The evaluation results demonstrated a high level of support for the proposed guidelines:
• 97.4% of respondents considered the proposed guidelines to be a step in the right direction;
• 76.9% rated the workshop as very useful, while 23.1% rated it as useful;
• 71.8% considered the presented topics fully relevant to their work or institution, while 28.2% considered them mainly relevant;
• 82.1% were very satisfied with the organisation and delivery of the workshop, while 17.9% were satisfied;
• 76.9% stated that they would definitely participate in similar future events, while 23.1% stated that they would probably participate.
The results of the third workshop confirmed the practical relevance of the proposed guidelines and demonstrated strong stakeholder support for the selected approach. The comments and recommendations collected during the event will be used to further refine and finalise the guideline document.
WATER-GUIDE is implemented as a non-physical replication of the approach applied in the Szigetköz region of Hungary. Rather than directly copying hydraulic structures or technical design parameters, the project transfers a methodological approach based on stakeholder participation, adaptive planning, nature-based solutions and the preparation of locally adapted guidelines for the Sava River in Gradiška.