On 30 January, a conference entitled ‘The Slovenia of the Future in the Light of Climate Change – Is Water Retention a Necessity or an Opportunity in the Process of Adapting to Climate Change?’ opened in the refurbished hall of the National Council.
At the conference, experts discussed water needs and the possibilities which, in the light of climate change, are making it increasingly clear that watercourse management based solely on maintaining the status quo will not be sufficient in the future.
Effective watercourse management policy will no longer be possible in the near future without appropriate changes to watercourse management strategies and investment in conservation, as well as in the retention and accumulation of water resources.
In view of forecasts predicting a reduction in rainfall and changes to the rainfall pattern, a decline in mean flows and a rise in watercourse temperatures, it is reasonable to conclude that, without appropriate measures to help mitigate hydrological extremes, it will be difficult to maintain the conditions for biotic communities as we know them, and this will also have a significant impact on biodiversity.
Experts in the fields of hydraulic engineering, climatology, hydraulics and biology – joined by colleagues from the Slovenian Water Institute – have highlighted that the role of water reservoirs in the process of adapting to climate change is becoming increasingly important. Reservoirs represent the most effective way of regulating hydrological fluctuations and reducing annual damage caused by changes in the flow regime.
Those present concluded the consultation with the view that a policy of opposition to water retention and the construction of dams is unlikely to yield positive results for either nature or people. Efforts must therefore be directed towards finding common ground and reconciling differing viewpoints. Constructive cooperation between the various parties is the key to effective solutions for sustainable development.