Activity

Welcome to the ‘Retention for Resilience: Supporting Small Municipalities with Blue-Green Infrastructure’ project page!
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One of the key challenges faced by small municipalities along the Baltic Sea coast is the growing risk posed by extreme weather events, combined with an insufficient capacity to manage and retain stormwater. Climate change—manifested in more frequent episodes of intense rainfall and prolonged droughts—has further exposed the limited water retention potential of these areas.
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The primary objective of this project is to enhance the water retention capacity of small municipalities in the Baltic Sea region. This will be achieved through a combination of educational activities and knowledge transfer related to the planning, implementation, and maintenance of blue-green infrastructure (BGI).
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BGI refers to a network of nature-based and technical solutions—such as rain gardens, green roofs, retention parks, and urban wetlands—that effectively retain water in the urban landscape. These solutions not only improve stormwater management but also contribute to better air quality, increased biodiversity, and the enhanced aesthetics of public spaces.
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The project’s main target groups include local public authorities, municipal officials, spatial planning professionals, and residents who are directly affected by infrastructure that is not adapted to changing climate conditions.
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A central element of the initiative will be close collaboration with experts, NGOs, and research institutions to co-create model solutions that can be replicated and scaled.
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One of the key outputs will be a Catalogue of Good Practices in the field of blue-green infrastructure. This publication will feature practical examples, implementation guidelines, and actionable recommendations derived from pilot activities and stakeholder consultations. It will serve as a valuable tool for other municipalities seeking to adopt nature-based solutions tailored to their local conditions.
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To raise awareness and build engagement, the project will organise study visits, resident workshops, an eco-picnic, a public outdoor exhibition, and produce promotional videos showcasing successful implementations. Additional educational efforts will include the distribution of a dedicated publication and support for micro-scale climate adaptation measures—such as green walls, rain gardens, and rainwater collection systems—at the citizen level.
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Ultimately, the project aims to strengthen the competencies of local decision-makers in sustainable water management and to boost the climate resilience of small towns. It will also foster transnational cooperation and knowledge-sharing throughout the Baltic Sea region.