Brief description Creation of a flood forecasting system for the March (Morava) and Thaya basins in the Czech-Austrian cross-border area in order to reduce the risk of damage caused by flooding.
Region Internal EU borders
Countries Czech Republic (CZ) – Austria (AT)
Location Czech Republic: South Moravia

Austria: Lower Austria
Type of project partners Regional government units
Public bodies/institutions
Size (total budget including EU grants) Over € 500,000
Main themes Environmental protection, climate change and risk prevention
Keywords (Types of Activities) Research and studies
Development or acquisition of software
Keywords (Aspects of Good Practice) Genuine cross-border dimension
Genuine cross-border impact
Efficient
Good dissemination
Good sustainability

Background and Objectives There is a considerable threat of damage caused by flooding in the regions of March (Morava in English) and Thaya (Dyin in Czech) rivers on the border area between Austria and the Czech Republic. The aim of the project is the creation of a flood forecasting system in order to reduce the risks of flooding and damage caused by unexpected floods.
Main activities The system was intended to provide information for preparedness and action against river flooding. It provides 48-hour cross-border forecasts with trend data for the following three days.

The project activities and its main direct results were as follows:

  • A meteorological and hydrological forecasting and simulation model for the Czech-Austrian border area, which allows all necessary cross-border forecasting and analysis calculations in connection to flooding.
  • Complete integration of the model into the existing system of CHMU (Czech Hydro-meteorological Institute), which covers other areas of the watershed of the March and Thaya.
  • Pilot operation of the forecasting system by CHMU.
  • Detailed accompanying studies on the achievable accuracy in regard to the optimal use of forecasts for an active flood management.
  • Nine additional or significantly extend measurement points, which capture data in the event of flooding and are of significant importance for the calculations.
  • Creation of a “1D” model and integration into the forecasting system of Lower Austria (as well as in the system of CHMU) so that a full integration of all forecasting systems for the Morava River is achieved.
Main results The project also achieved other outcomes:

  • An improvement of organisational processes through clear interfaces and lines of communication in the use of the system.
  • An improvement of the inter-regional, inter-governmental co-operation by clear information as well as detailed knowledge of the requirements and possibilities of the integrated institutions
Aspects of good practice The project demonstrated good practice across the board. It had a very strong cross-border impact, being of strategic relevance as flood prevention is a crucial issue on both sides of the border. It achieved excellent dissemination with several articles in newspapers and presentations at conferences.

The project is noted for its strong sustainability and long-term benefits. A lasting improvement of the flood forecasting system has been achieved due to the project, as well as an enhanced cooperation between the Czech Region of South Moravia and the Austrian region of Lower Austria.
Start and completion dates: October 2008 – October 2011
More information http://www.pmo.cz/cz/projekty/predpovedni-povodnovy-system-morava-dyje/

Partner Povodí Moravy, Brno
Partner Amt der NÖ Landesregierung, Gruppe Wasser, St. Pölten