Upgrade to hydroclimatic risk management in the Sava basin
The international Sava River basin is getting a major upgrade in water management with the launch of the project for renewal of the Sava Forecasting and Warning System. The renewed system will not only ensure insight into flood risks but also provide the region with important information during hydrological droughts particularly relevant to the inland navigation along the Sava. The project led by Deltares and carried out through the International Sava River Basin Commission.
Since 2018, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, through coordination of the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC), have a joint operational hydrological forecasting system for the entire catchment area: the ‘Sava Flood Forecasting and Warning System (FFWS)’. Hosted by five and used by ten responsible forecasting organizations from five countries, it is a versatile forecasting system and unique in the region and one of the most advanced in transboundary river basins worldwide.
After 7 years, much has been learned from its use, which has led to new requirements, including the request for even more precise forecasts, the improvement of the long-term flow forecasting and addition of drought information, involvement of the new forecast customers and stakeholders and the establishment of a user-friendly online platform with easy access. These requirements from the countries were drivers to the ISRBC to prepare the project for the next phase of development.
There's a sense of ownership in the system which greatly contributes to the general trust in the transboundary water cooperation
Tanja Miškova, Member of ISRBC and Ambassador-at-Large for Water Diplomacy from the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
Project structure
The project is financed by the Global Environment Facility and the World Bank and coordinated by ISRBC. The work in the next two years will be carried out by a joint venture of regional parties led by Deltares.
Within the project, models for the simulation of water flows will be updated and improved, including recent developments on weather predictions and now-casting, to support short-term (flash) flood forecasting and long-term seasonal forecasts, including low flows. Also new basin-wide warning procedures will be developed, based on country level procedures, where exist, and implemented through an internal web dissemination platform. An essential component of the project is the knowledge transfer and capacity building of all beneficiaries.
Until now, our Institution did not have any tool for now-casting, making this a significant advancement. It is particularly valuable for predicting torrential floods, which have become increasingly frequent in our country
Azra Babić, Member of the Sava FFWS Technical Group from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Department for Forecasting and Water Balances
Project kick-off
On March 26 the kick-off of the new Sava Flow Forecasting and Warning System project took place in Zagreb, Croatia, where the needs of 22 involved parties were explored in more detail, including interactive sessions on the information they can use and exchange with each other via the new system.
Sustainable development of the Sava basin
The upgraded system is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
Mirza Sarač (advisor for protection against detrimental effects from waters and extraordinary impacts on the water regime and project coordinator at ISRBC):
“Improvements and extensions of the existing forecasting system will support better informed decision-making on the management of hydroclimatic risks across water-related sectors. This will result in reducing the risks of loss of human life, damage to property, environment, cultural heritage, and economy, and to increase the resilience of the entire society, considering the current climate variability and future potential climate shocks.”
Klaas-Jan van Heeringen (specialist operational water management and project leader at Deltares):
“The new system will not only provide better forecasts and warnings on flooding, it will also support a more effective response to flash floods and droughts and make inland navigation safer and more efficient. These improvements are essential for the sustainable development of the Sava basin and the communities that depend on it.”
