“Over several days, we explored firsthand the significance of freshwater ecosystems for nature-based water management, sustainable forestry, waterway management, environmental accident mitigation, the practical challenges of rewilding, and so much more. It was a truly immersive experience that highlighted the beauty and fragility of rivers and reinforced the need to protect these ecosystems” commented Valerie Kendall, from MKO Ireland and one of the lecturers of the 4th edition of River University, which took place in the unique Oder Delta landscape, on the Polish-German border, on 31 July-4 August 2023.

In the coming days, July 31st- August 4th, 2023, various river stakeholders (academic staff, water-related institutions, municipalities and government representatives, locals, NGOs, business owners, individuals) from 11 European countries will visit the Oder Delta during the 4th edition of the international River University, organised by Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) in collaboration with Rewilding Oder Delta (ROD). Taking the Oder River as an example and focusing on water pollution and risk management, they will explore the impact of the river’s condition on the Baltic Sea, as well as climate change’s consequences on the watersheds.