BALTFLOODS Showcased Flood Preparedness Solutions During Peer-to-Peer Exchange in Gryfino, Poland

BALTFLOODS lead partner, City of Lappeenranta presented pilot solutions and citizen engagement approaches, generating interest from municipalities seeking innovative tools for local decision-making and climate adaptation. 

On 1 October, representatives from municipalities, research institutions, and international projects came together in Gryfino, northwestern Poland, for a peer-to-peer exchange focused on climate resilience and innovation. The visit provided an opportunity for the BALTFLOODS Project, led by the City of Lappeenranta, to showcase project solutions and engage with stakeholders working on sustainable and resilient community development across the Baltic Sea Region. 

The exchange began with welcome remarks from the Mayor of Gryfino, followed by presentations from Gyfino highlighting the municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthen climate resilience and adapt to emerging environmental challenges. Participants were introduced to local initiatives and practical measures aimed at preparing communities for future climate-related risks.  

In addition to meeting local stakeholders, the BALTFLOODS also had the opportunity to engage with partners from the BALCA project, an ongoing consortium coordinated by Alvesta Municipality. Participating organizations included Tauragė District Municipality, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Tczew Municipality, and Linnaeus University. The gathering created a valuable platform for municipalities, researchers, and practitioners to exchange experiences, identify common challenges, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

A key highlight of the visit was the presentation of BALTFLOODS pilot solutions developed across project pilot sites. The City of Lappeenranta demonstrated a flood simulation exercise and introduced CitySen.app, a digital participatory tool designed to strengthen citizen engagement in flood risk management and municipal planning processes.

The exchange also underscored the importance of transnational cooperation. Participants emphasized how partnerships between municipalities and research institutions can combine complementary expertise and resources, enabling the development of innovative solutions that individual organizations may not have the capacity to create independently.

To assess the impact of the knowledge exchange, participants were invited to complete a short survey. Results showed that four municipalities considered the information and experiences shared during the visit valuable for strengthening their own capacities.  

As the exchange concluded, partners expressed their appreciation for the openness and collaborative spirit demonstrated throughout the visit. The discussions highlighted several common challenges and opportunities, laying a strong foundation for future cooperation. We look forward to continuing the dialogue, exploring new possibilities for collaboration, and working together to strengthen resilient and sustainable communities across the Baltic Sea Region. 

Additional information: 

City of Lappeenranta 

Sanna Varis. Project Manager & Design Engineer 

Tel. 040 836 5038, [email protected] 

City of Lappeenranta 

Rozabela Singh, Project Planner & Communication Manager 

Tel. 040 544 6284, [email protected] 

Programme Manual Online

Choose