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Kick-Off Meeting on the Improvement, extension and operationalization of Sava FFWS
The international Sava River basin is getting a major upgrade in water management with the launch of the project for renewal of the Sava Forecasting and Warning System. The renewed system will not only ensure insight into flood risks but also provide the region with important information during hydrological droughts particularly relevant to the inland navigation along the Sava. The project is carried out through the International Sava River Basin Commission in a collaboration with regional partners led by Dutch knowledge institute Deltares.
On March 26-27, 2025 the kick-off of the new Sava Flow Forecasting and Warning System (FFWS) project took place in Zagreb, Croatia, with 65 participants in total, where the needs of more than 20 involved parties were explored in more detail, including interactive sessions on the information they can use and exchange with each other via the new system.
After 7 years of use of the Sava FFWS, much has been learned from its use, which has led to new requirements, including the request for even more precise forecasts, the improvement of the long-term flow forecasting and addition of hydrological drought information, involvement of the new forecast customers and stakeholders and the establishment of a user-friendly online platform with easy access. These requirements from the countries were drivers to the ISRBC to prepare the project for the next phase of development.
The project is financed by the Global Environment Facility and the World Bank and coordinated by ISRBC. The work in the next two years will be carried out by a joint venture of regional partners led by Deltares.
Within the project, models for the simulation of water flows will be updated and improved, including recent developments on weather predictions and now-casting, to support short-term (flash) flood forecasting and long-term seasonal forecasts, including low flows. Also new basin-wide warning procedures will be developed, based on country level procedures, where exist, and implemented through an internal web dissemination platform. An essential component of the project is the knowledge transfer and capacity building of all beneficiaries.
Improvements and extensions of the existing forecasting system will support better informed decision-making on the management of hydroclimatic risks across water-related sectors. This will result in reducing the risks of loss of human life, damage to property, environment, cultural heritage, and economy, and to increase the resilience of the entire society, considering the current climate variability and future potential climate shocks.
The upgraded system is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
Within the project, models for the simulation of water flows will be updated and improved, including recent developments on weather predictions and now-casting, to support short-term (flash) flood forecasting and long-term seasonal forecasts, including low flows. Also new basin-wide warning procedures will be developed, based on country level procedures, where exist, and implemented through an internal web dissemination platform. An essential component of the project is the knowledge transfer and capacity building of all beneficiaries.
Improvements and extensions of the existing forecasting system will support better informed decision-making on the management of hydroclimatic risks across water-related sectors. This will result in reducing the risks of loss of human life, damage to property, environment, cultural heritage, and economy, and to increase the resilience of the entire society, considering the current climate variability and future potential climate shocks.
The upgraded system is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
| Start | 26.03.2025. |
| End | 27.03.2025. |