In 2013, storm Xaver caused high water levels along the German North Sea coast. In the years that followed, the Weser region also experienced several flooding events. Flood risks in the North Sea Region are not uncommon, and it has become clear that protection alone is not sufficient to make these areas resilient. It was against this background that the FIER partners gathered in Oldenburg for their partner meeting
From collaboration to practical solutions: FIER partners meet in Oldenburg
During the FIER partner meeting in Oldenburg (14–16 April), hosted by Jade University of applied Sciences, partners came together to discuss their activities. They collaborate on concrete solutions to these challenges and learn from each other’s experiences, enabling knowledge to be applied across borders.
One central question: which outputs does FIER develop, and how can stakeholders such as regional authorities, emergency services and water managers use these in practice?
From plans to practical solutions
Within FIER, partners are working on various products that contribute to steps from improved awareness , crisis preparedness, evacuation till recovery. These products include guidelines for municipalities, decision support tools and scenario-based planning. Such outputs help regions prepare for flooding and support decision-making during and after a crisis.
Learning from practice in Wesermarsch
An important part of the meeting was an excursion to the Wesermarsch region. This low-lying area, partly below sea level, is highly dependent on active water management.
During the excursion, partners visited several locations and were informed about several relevant projects. Such as the LifeGRID project, within this project, emergency solutions are being developed. In Brake evacuation facilities and external power supply for care institutions, with particular attention to vulnerable groups were shown. In the rural area, it became clear how water management works in peatland regions and how farmers rely on pumps to drain excess water.
At Käseburger Siel sluice and pumping station, participants learned how water levels are continuously monitored and managed.
Working together to become FIER
During the meeting, partners and regional stakeholders discussed how scenarios and tools can be applied in practice. This exchange helps connect insights from different regions and further develop them.
Special thanks to Jade University and all organisations in Wesermarsch for organising the programme and for the warm welcome.
Be ready. Be FIER: Flooding, Infrastructure, Evacuation, Resilience.