WES-BCA Regional Training & Study Tour- Adaptation Measures for Flood and Stormwater Management

As part of the WES-BCA program, from 21 to 24 April 2026, SEMIDE hosted a regional training session bringing together water management stakeholders from North Africa and the MENA region to strengthen their capacities in flood and stormwater management.

The training focused on adaptation measures, combining both “grey” infrastructure and nature-based approaches to improve resilience. The programme blended theoretical sessions delivered by international and regional experts with practical field visits, offering participants a comprehensive learning experience. It also created a valuable platform for exchange, enabling participants to share experiences, discuss best practices, and deepen their understanding of integrated flood management strategies.

A key highlight of the week was the series of study visits organised in the Alpes-Maritimes, showcasing concrete, locally implemented solutions to address climate challenges.

In Cagnes-sur-Mer, Alexandra Maccario welcomed participants on behalf of the municipality and presented the renaturation works carried out on the Cagnes River. These interventions included soil unsealing and riverbed widening, contributing to improved flood management and ecological restoration.

Participants also visited the Communauté d’Agglomération Sophia Antipolis, where Cedric Cheneval guided a tour of the Brague River restoration project. This initiative demonstrated how renaturation can reduce flood risks while supporting the development of local agricultural activities.

The programme continued with a visit to the IMREDD (Mediterranean Institute for Risk, Environment and Sustainable Development), where participants discovered the Aquavar software. The tool was presented by Morgan Abily from the Université Côte d’Azur and Felix Billaud from Régie Eau d’Azur. The session was complemented by Arnaud Rostan, who introduced the concept of territorial metabolism, providing insights into integrated resource management at the local scale.

To conclude the study tour, participants visited General Goiran Square in Nice. Angele Martinez from the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur presented the site’s redesign, which enhances rainwater infiltration and contributes to more sustainable urban water management.

Overall, the training successfully combined theory and practice, highlighting innovative solutions and fostering regional cooperation. It reinforced the role of the WES-BCA programme and SEMIDE in supporting sustainable water management and climate adaptation efforts across the Mediterranean.

We would like to sincerely thank all the speakers and partner organisations for their time, expertise, and valuable contributions to this successful event.