From 18 to 21 May 2026, representatives of Competence Centre Ltd participated in a study visit to Poznań, Republic of Poland, organized within the framework of the RETFOR project.
The host and co-organizer of the study visit was the state-owned company Lasy Państwowe (State Forests of Poland). The programme focused on the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the management of forest ecosystems, adaptation to climate change, and the implementation of water retention solutions in forest areas.
The central part of the programme included field visits to the Oborniki and Krucz forest districts, located north of Poznań. During the visits, the hosts presented the organizational structure of the Polish State Forests system, as well as specific measures implemented to maintain the stability of forest ecosystems under increasingly frequent and severe drought conditions.
Particular attention was given to water retention measures in forest areas, including artificially created lakes and water bodies designed to retain water for longer periods and mitigate the negative impacts of droughts. Solutions for monitoring forest fire risks were also presented, including video surveillance systems for forest areas.
As part of the study visit, an expert roundtable discussion was held at the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Poznań. The programme included presentations on the Wielkopolska region, discussions on the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems in Poland, and an exchange of experiences related to water retention and wetland projects. Project partners also presented the RETFOR project, their organizations, and their respective roles in implementing project activities.
The study visit provided project partners with valuable insights into practical examples of integrating the forestry and water management sectors to strengthen climate resilience. The knowledge and experience gained will support the further implementation of the RETFOR project, particularly in the areas of water retention, drought mitigation, and the development of future solutions for the Spačva–Bosut Basin.
The RETFOR project is focused on strengthening climate change resilience measures for the protection and restoration of ecosystems in the Spačva–Bosut Basin through cross-border cooperation between partners from Croatia and Serbia.
