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OPTAIN Pannonian Regional Dialogues: Combating Desertification and Drought in Agricultural Landscapes

10/06/2025

On 22 May 2025, the OPTAIN project organized the Pannonian Regional Dialogue Conference, bringing together experts from Hungary, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and many more to discuss key issues in combating desertification and drought. The Regional Dialogues Conference was organized by the HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research (ATK), the General Directorate of Water Management (OVF) and the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the OPTAIN project partners.

In connection with the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) and World Desertification and Drought Day, the Conference served as a platform to promote the implementation of Natural and Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRMs) and to strengthen agricultural resilience to climate change by showcasing the OPTAIN project's modelling and policy results. This event strengthened a dialogue towards aligning national and EU policies, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and fostering collaboration across the Pannonian biogeographic region and beyond. It brought together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and civil society to share knowledge and experiences, with a focus on integrating NSWRMs into water and land management practices. The goal was to provide solutions to the growing challenges posed by water scarcity, and soil erosion in agricultural landscapes.

One of the key themes of the conference was the important role of NSWRMs in improving water/nutrient retention and mitigating the effects of drought. Presentations highlighted various case studies and national strategies implemented across Europe to combat desertification. In Turkey, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change shared insights into the National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification, while Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition discussed the country’s National Strategy to Combat Desertification and its implementation plans.

The conference featured a series of presentations on NSWRMs-related research and practical applications. Experts from institutions such as the University of Bern, University of Ljubljana, and the HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research presented findings on the impact of different tillage systems on soil water availability, and the effectiveness of NSWRMs in managing water and nutrients across the Pannonian region. One significant discussion focused on the role of modelling tools in optimizing NSWRMs, enabling better decision-making in water management practices.

Another key component of the conference was a session on NSWRMs in practice, showcasing examples of successful implementation. From Slovenia’s experience with water retention measures in the Pesnica River and Kobiljski Stream catchments to Hungary’s past and ongoing WWF Hungary projects, participants learned how local actions contribute against desertification and drought. The importance of stakeholder engagement, including farmers, was emphasized, as it is essential for the successful implementation of these measures.

A significant part of the dialogue revolved around the policy framework that supports the integration of NSWRMs into agriculture and water management. Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture in Hungary discussed CAP measures and international positions, while experts from the European Commission and the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River highlighted the importance of aligning water and agriculture policies across borders. The need for coordinated efforts between water, conservation and agricultural sectors was underlined, since it is essential for sustainable water management in the region.

A panel discussion provided a platform for policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss effectiveness of NSWRMs, their implementation challenges, and how to improve policy frameworks to support their adoption. Experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Central Tisza Region Water Directorate, WWF Hungary and an agricultural integrator exchanged views on the importance of water storage solutions, such as side-branches and floodplain reconnection, and how to create better economic conditions for farmers to implement water retention measures.The OPTAIN project, through its work across 14 case studies in the Boreal, Pannonian, and Continental biogeographic regions, advances the adoption of NSWRMs in Europe. The project aims to optimize the use of water and nutrients through research, modeling, and collaborative engagement with local communities. As part of the OPTAIN initiative, the development of an interactive, open-access platform is underway, which will serve as a capacity-building resource for farmers, policymakers, and experts interested in implementing NSWRMs at the European level.

The OPTAIN Pannonian Regional Dialogue Conference provided an opportunity to reflect on current strategies, share insights, and strengthen cooperation across borders and sectors. As climate change continues to intensify, the integration of NSWRMs into national and EU water management policies is essential for building resilience in agricultural landscapes, improving biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable food production for generations to come!

Author: Ivana Korn Varga

The conference presentations are accessible here: