EXPO Water in Landscape took place on the occasion of World Water Day. Its aim was to present the connection between research and innovation and practice in water management, respectively, their acceleration in the recent period, primarily driven by the consequences of climate change impacts and increased public interest in water management issues.

The event featured research organizations and universities, as well as companies predominantly active in the South Moravian Region and its surroundings. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about current trends in water management in the Czech Republic, or within the professional and geographical scope of the exhibitors, through the stands of individual exhibitors, practical demonstrations, and video presentations.

The event was attended mainly by representatives of the professional public, state administration, local government, river basin authorities, educational institutions in the field, and students.

When: Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: Laboratory of Water Management Research at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology

Address: Veveří 331/95, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic (Building B)

Agenda

9:00 Opening Remarks

• Kristián Celý, Project Manager at CREA Hydro Energy cluster
• Jaroslav Veselý, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology 
• Petr Kupec, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology at Mendel University and member of the Center of vocational education – Water in landscape
• Jan Zámečník, Deputy Governor of the South Moravian Region 
• Anna Hubáčková, Former Minister of Environment of the Czech Republic

9:20 Opening of Exhibits

• Presentation of water management entities
  • Mendel University in Brno 
  • Brno University of Technology 
  • CREA Hydro&Energy, z.s. 
  • VD – TBD a.s. 
  • GEOtest, a.s. 
  • Designtec s.r.o. 
  • Czech Hydrometeorological Institute 
  • AQUA PROCON, s.r.o. 
  • HG Partner s.r.o. 
  • Kavyl spol. s.r.o. 
  • VZD Invest s.r.o. 
  • T. G. Masaryk Water Research Institute 
  • Secondary Technical School of Civil Engineering in Brno 
  • AQUATIS a.s.

9:30 – 11:30 Practical Demonstrations of Hydraulic Models in Specialized Laboratories

10:30 Presentation of Results of Research projects

• Digital Twin of Dam – Designtec s.r.o. and VD-TBD a.s. 
• Sediment Reclamation – HG Partner s.r.o. 
• Stormwater Runoff Model – AQUA PROCON, s.r.o. 
• Implemented Research and Analyses for Design Practice – AQUATIS a.s.

12:00 End of the Water in the Landscape Expo event

Participants

The event was attended by over 100 individuals from more than 30 organizations, including students from universities and high schools, representatives of research institutions, companies, universities, and secondary vocational schools, public institutions, and foreign educational institutions and schools.

Reflection on the event during the CREA cluster meeting

The Water in the Landscape Expo, held on March 21, 2024, at the Laboratory of Water Management Research at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, was evaluated as successful and received positive feedback from participants. They particularly appreciated the unconventional format and environment in which the event took place.

The event appeared lively, mainly because it managed to bring together representatives from various organizations and students under one roof, allowing them to share information about the activities and possibilities of other entities operating in the field of water management in the region.

The organization of the event was at a good level, but there was a question raised about the possibility of providing larger spaces for the next edition. In connection with this, there was a discussion about whether this expansion would affect the character of the event and its spontaneity, which made it unique. One of the proposed options was to expand the exhibition to the entire corridor of the Laboratory of Water Management Research.

Finally, the quality selection of presentations was also appreciated, as they showcased the latest research results and innovations in the field.

Thank you to all participants of the event, and we look forward to meeting again next year!