New cross-border research project: ‘Study of the aquatic ecosystem in the Kłodzko Gorge’

grafika ilustracyjna At the beginning of 2025. Pardubice Region (Czech Republic) has started a joint research project with the State Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-NRI) called 'Study of the aquatic ecosystem in the Kłodzko Gorge'.

The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Interreg Czech Republic – Poland 2021-2027 programme, Priority 1 – Integrated Rescue System and Environment. The task will last until the end of 2029. The project is being processed and implemented by the Lower Silesian Branch of the PGI-NRI in Wrocław.

Project objective

The aim of the project is to jointly develop a document assessing the current quantitative and qualitative status of groundwater in the Kłodzko Gorge area and to propose measures for the long-term protection of the region's water resources.

‘Kłodzko Gorge’ is defined as the source area of the Nysa Kłodzka, Cicha Orlica and Morava rivers, located in the border zone between Poland and the Czech Republic. It is home to a unique point of contact on a continental scale between the catchment areas of three seas – the Baltic, North and Black. It is one of only six such places in Europe, which gives it an exceptional natural and hydrological value that requires coordinated international protection.

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The Morava River Valley in the Czech Republic – research area of the project partner

Scope of activities

A number of joint cross-border research activities are planned as part of the project, including:

hydrological and hydrogeological studies,
geophysical surveys and drilling work,
laboratory and mapping analyses,
determination of the groundwater and surface water circulation regime,
development of a water resources balance,

Development of the common guidelines and proposals for water protection in the context of climate change.

Particular emphasis will be placed on landscape and nature conservation and sustainable water resource management, taking into account long-term environmental change scenarios.

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Results

The project will result in:

development of a comprehensive transboundary water protection plan,
increased cooperation and coordination between Polish and Czech institutions in the field of water protection,
making the results of studies and planning documents available to local and regional stakeholders.

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Significance of the project

Joint research and planning activities for the protection of water resources in the Kłodzko Gorge are part of the mission of the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute: ‘By acquiring and disseminating reliable and objective knowledge about the geological structure, natural resources and the state of the environment, we serve the society, responding to the current and future needs of the Polish State.’