The EcoDaLLi Middle Danube Living Lab, organized by the University of Zagreb and the Municipality of Draž, was successfully held in Osijek, Croatia, gathering over 100 stakeholders to discuss climate change resilience in the Middle Danube region. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the exploration of innovative solutions aimed at improving climate adaptation strategies.

On Day 1, the event opened with welcoming speeches from local political figures and organizers. Andreea Strachinescu from DG Mare highlighted the importance of EU Mission Ocean & Waters in driving climate action across the region. This was followed by a series of engaging panel discussions. The first panel focused on protecting local communities and ecosystems from extreme climate events, emphasizing the need for education, social innovation, and citizen engagement to enhance community resilience.

The second panel centered around the development of climate change mitigation measures. Representatives from Innovation Action projects, including DANUBE4all, showcased their efforts in wetland restoration as a means of carbon sequestration, demonstrating tangible actions towards mitigating the effects of climate change.

On Day 2, despite rainy weather, participants continued their hands-on learning experience with a visit to Kopački Rit National Park, one of Europe’s largest preserved wetland areas. The visit provided valuable insights into sustainable transportation, conservation efforts, and the practical applications of climate change mitigation strategies in real-world settings. The day also featured a visit to the Municipality of Draž, where local community engagement was emphasized as a critical factor in building resilience to climate change.

Throughout the Living Lab, participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions on key challenges and solutions, building synergies across sectors and strengthening the region’s capacity to tackle climate change. The event concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration and the integration of local perspectives into broader climate action plans.

The EcoDaLLi Middle Danube Living Lab was an essential milestone in fostering climate resilience in the Danube River Basin, bringing together stakeholders from diverse sectors to co-create solutions for a sustainable future.