River University
2018 - ongoing
This initiative is based on an annual international gathering to create a strong center of modern knowledge, linking experts, inviting river stakeholders and giving the opportunity to participants to learn about peculiarities of different rivers in the Baltic Sea Region and Europe.
HISTORY OF THE PROJECT
The
pilot project of River University was created and founded by Ewa Leś, CCB Working Area Leader on Eutrophication, in 2018 in Poland. The aim was to gather river experts from several transboundary basins of Poland (Odra, Vistula/Western Bug, Neman) with their counterparts from Belarus and Ukraine to discuss i.a. issues related to inland navigation and large infrastructure projects on straightening river flows in these countries. In 2020, River University was established internationally
under CCB umbrella, with the 1st online edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The focus was on Poland, in particular the Drawa river, presenting current riverine challenges impacting the society. All these looking towards European community goals.
During the 2nd edition in 2021, we swam into Lithuania’s waters, to dive deep – finally live! – into the water challenges of this country.
The 3rd edition took place in Estonia on 11-15 July 2022 (more info below).
COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIP
Since December 2022, River University is part of a global network of universities that have made an official pledge to work towards a global Nature Positive goal.
In each edition of River University we have been collaborating with different Universities and Institutions, such us:
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Warsaw University of Life Sciences
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University of Lausanne
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Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB)
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University of Silesia
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Vytautas Magnus University
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Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency
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Kaunas University of Technology
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Klaipėda University
The course usually receive also the patronage of the European Parliament and of the Environmental Ministry or water authorities of the host country.
>100
Participants
>40
Lecturers
3
Countries
RIVER UNIVERSITY IN A NUTSHELL
Why do we organize this course?
Having in mind that currently 60% of our European rivers and lakes are in poor condition – there is still a lot to improve, also for our health & safety.
We depend on clean water and we need to protect our rivers for rivers life and functioning, riverine ecosystem services and its benefits for people and the environment. While taking care of the Baltic Sea, we must also protect the inland waters and wetlands, according to the 'source to sea' approach.
We stepped into the UN Decade on Ecosystems Restoration (including freshwater, peatlands, oceans and coasts restoration) and - based on the EU Water Framework Directive which protect our waters - we must reach the legally binding EU target to return Europe’s dirty freshwaters to health by 2027. Moreover, as Baltic and European countries, we aim to achieve the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 goal of restoring 25 000 km of rivers.
How the course is implemented?
River University is structured as a 5 days of online and offline lectures and field trips, and it is open to a variety of stakeholders - from young students to authorities and experts.
The lectures are interactive and prepared in collaboration with the best universities, water authorities, and official bodies.
The official language is English, with simultaneous translations provided into the host country language and Russian.
CCB's Members Organisations and external partners have an active role as hosts and co-organizers of each edition. So far, we thank:
- Friends of Ina and Gowienica Rivers Association (Poland) - 1st edition
- Zvejone Club (Lithuania) - 2nd edition
- Estonian Water Association (Estonia) - 3rd edition
Moreover, each edition of River University:
- receives the European Parliament patronage, as well as the patronage of the Environmental Ministry and/or water authorities of the host country.
- is being developed with respect to the EU Open Science policy and through the Open Life Science practise.
- applies the CCB Gender & Equity Strategy and the Guide for Sustainable Event Management.
What are the impacts?
The expected impact of the initiative is to:
- contribute to the improvement of Baltic and European rivers condition;
- raise awareness, exchange knowledge and implement different solutions to protect the Baltic rivers;
- shared sense of responsibility around water management.
2023 EDITION
The 4th Edition of River University took place in Germany from 31 July to 04 August, 2023. It was hosted and co-organized by Rewilding Oder Delta.
LATEST EDITIONS
MATERIALS & MEDIA
For more information:
Ewa Leś, CCB Working Area Leader on Eutrophication: ewa.les (at) ccb.se
"River University" is funded by the EU LIFE Programme.
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