#G2W

The risk trend of decreasing precipitation quantity, dry hot weather, and increasing intensity of the heat island effect caused by climate change has initiated the cooperation between the town of Michalovce and Nyirbator aimed at the implementation of pilot water retention measures and possible green and blue solutions which can help to heal not only the climate and reduce the effects of climate change in towns, but also indirectly the economy in the two regions.
Activities of our project, Green to Water, are primarily focused on rainwater collection from roofs and paved surfaces of the buildings and areas in town´s property, interrupting rainwater runoff into the public sanitary sewers and consequently creating rain gardens in the areas of the schools, significant green space development on a currently unused municipal property, retaining of rainwater in water reservoirs for the needs of greenery irrigation. Part of the activities is planting trees, tree alleys and greenery.
The activities aim to retain rainwater in the area, aestheticize the urban environment, and at the same time come up with possibilities for alternative forms of climate education in schools and spread awareness about the water retention measures.
Within the implementation of activities we are planning to remove paved impermeable surfaces and replace them for permeable ones, install catch accumulation basins or infiltration facilities at the downspouts from roofs or paved surfaces and create separate storm sewers, plant rain gardens and greenery, increase the surface of green areas, establish rainwater reservoirs, in addition to the exchange of local good practices.
Implemented measures will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by planting greenery. Project activities will help to capture rainwater in the area, it will lead to decreasing temperatures in summer months and slow down the drying out of land. The evaporation and higher air humidity will be supported so we can reduce the dust and allergens in the air.
As part of the campaign and promotional activities we intend to involve the general public in both towns in decision-making processes and in the selection of places suitable for planting greenery and trees. At the same time, we will use the campaign for educating the public in the field of climate change adaptation and spread necessary information about the project.