Wrocław: The "Venice of the North" Embraces Sustainable Water Management for Urban Resilience

Wrocław, Poland – Known as the "Venice of the North," Wrocław is embracing its unique aquatic landscape by prioritizing water management in its urban development strategies. In a recent interview, Katarzyna Szymczak-Pomianowska, Director of the Department of Strategy and Sustainable Development of the City of Wrocław, highlighted the fundamental role water plays in the city's modern evolution. "Wrocław is a city of over a hundred bridges and forty-eight rivers of various sizes," stated Szymczak-Pomianowska, emphasizing the complexity of its water system. "We must manage these waters responsibly." The city is focusing on developing a "sponge city" concept, which involves expanding green areas designed to retain rainwater and minimize runoff into the river system. This approach aims to absorb precipitation directly into the ground, with only excess water being directed to natural receivers like rivers or drainage networks. Szymczak-Pomianowska explained that successful implementation relies heavily on understanding ground and groundwater conditions, including soil permeability. "On some terrains, water will be absorbed very well; on others, it will stagnate," she noted. This necessitates diverse solutions, including natural-looking ground reservoirs, rain gardens, and absorbent mulches. Beyond technical solutions, the city is committed to revitalizing its waterfront areas, such as the Dunikowski Boulevard, which was redeveloped prior to Wrocław's designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2016. These spaces are designed to be vibrant hubs for both residents and tourists. "This place always bustles with life," Szymczak-Pomianowska observed. "On weekends, it's full of residents and tourists." The city is actively encouraging private investors and developers to adopt these sustainable water management practices, recognizing that a significant portion of urban development is undertaken by the private sector. "It's important that we are all on board together," she concluded, underscoring the collaborative effort required for Wrocław's continued sustainable growth.