Ossiach, Austria – April 2025
The role of forests in providing protection against natural hazards is becoming increasingly important in the context of climate change. Among the most pressing challenges is effective torrent management, a focus area of the Slovene Living Lab within the Forest EcoValue project.
In early April, the Slovene team of the Forest EcoValue project participated in a three-day training course on torrent supervision hosted by the Austrian Torrent and Avalanche Control (WLV), part of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management. The event took place in Ossiach, Austria, and brought together professionals dedicated to forest and hazard management.
The course provided a comprehensive look at torrent supervision practices, covering both organizational frameworks and hands-on fieldwork methodologies. Participants explored current strategies for assessing, monitoring, and managing torrential streams in mountainous regions—an essential aspect of preventing floods, landslides, and erosion. The training highlighted how integrated forest management and infrastructure planning are key to mitigating natural risks in vulnerable areas.
Beyond technical knowledge, the event fostered valuable dialogue and strengthened cross-border cooperation between Slovenian and Austrian forestry and natural hazard experts. The exchange of insights and the alignment of management approaches are expected to enhance regional resilience to climate-driven hazards.
This training marks a significant step forward in building a network of professionals committed to safeguarding communities and ecosystems through innovative and science-based torrent management solutions.
