Main Objectives of the Project:
- Pilot/model plantings in towns and municipalities
- Simplification of the method for measuring the cooling effect of plants in green spaces/plantings
- Cross-border soil protection and support for water retention
- Support for biodiversity and adaptation of plantings to climate change through hedgerows, agroforestry systems, and other green infrastructure elements, including their ecological maintenance
- Professional conference for municipalities and experts
- Presentation of project outcomes
Work Package 1
The impacts of climate change are evident and scientifically documented in the Czech-Austrian border region. There is an increase in extreme weather events, which place new demands on the region’s inhabitants. In addition to the rise in hot days, the number of tropical nights is also significantly increasing. Heatwaves lead to increased evaporation, negatively affecting the water balance—with consequences for vegetation in gardens, public green spaces, and agriculture.The project aims to develop a clear methodology for measuring the cooling effect of plants, to test it practically in various environments across the cross-border region, and to make the results accessible to the public. This includes long-term monitoring of the cooling effect throughout the year, under various weather conditions, and at selected locations. The data will then serve as the basis for evaluating vegetation effectiveness according to the proposed methodology.
Work Package 2
One of the key components of the project is research and pilot implementation of point plantings of climbing plants in streets where trees or shrubs cannot be planted, for example due to narrow road profiles or extensive asphalt surfaces.Climbing plants represent an effective alternative in these cases: they can improve the microclimate, provide shading, and offer a significant cooling effect. Through detailed monitoring of these plantings, we will be able to develop scientifically grounded recommendations for their broader application in urban environments.
Work Package 3
Work Package 3 will include a quantitative evaluation of the hydrological functionality of surface water infiltration systems in urban areas.
Work Package 4
The aim of the fourth work package is to test various types of plantings in terms of their cooling effect. At the same time, it builds on findings from the previous project phase and aims to develop practical recommendations for planting greenery in public spaces and the wider landscape.Unlike previous approaches, which primarily focused on the suitability of plants in relation to site conditions and climate change, our recommendations will also emphasize optimizing the cooling effect and improving the water balance.