The Fight for Water – Between Regulations and Reality

The XXXV Economic Forum, set to convene in Karpacz, Poland, starting September 8th, will host a significant panel discussion titled "The Fight for Water – Between Regulations and Reality." This event will delve into the complex challenges of implementing water policy, addressing both the theoretical frameworks and practical consequences. The discussion will focus on the real-world impact of key European Union legislation, including the Water Framework Directive, the Floods Directive, and the Nature Restoration Law. Participants will examine how these regulations affect water resource management specifically within Poland. A central theme will be the identification of administrative, legal, and financial barriers hindering effective water management, alongside the critical need for improved coordination among national, regional, and local government bodies, as well as water management institutions. Experts participating in the panel will explore effective strategies for flood prevention and drought mitigation. The discussion will also cover the development of water retention measures and the promotion of nature-based solutions, such as river renaturation and the restoration of wetlands and floodplains. Furthermore, the social dimension of water policy will be addressed, emphasizing the importance of public participation in decision-making processes, building acceptance for water-related investments, and fostering a shared responsibility for water resource protection. The panel aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice, offering concrete ways to balance water security, environmental conservation, and the needs of local communities. The session will be moderated by Robert Czerniawski, director of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute. Confirmed speakers include Mateusz Balcerowicz, president of the State Water Holding "Wody Polskie," Michał Miazga, president of REC Polska, Professor Janusz Zaleski, and Paweł Gancarz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.