Pilote area for nature-based flood prevention in small coastal towns

Kuressaare and Nasva represent a small island urban system in Saaremaa (Estonia), where climate resilience depends on understanding and preserving historical drainage networks while developing innovative circular water management solutions.

In Saaremaa, many historically established drainage networks play an important role in stormwater management, yet their condition, functionality, and strategic importance are not fully understood. At the same time, climate change is increasing the risk of flooding through more frequent and intense rainfall events. Municipalities need evidence-based decision-support tools to identify and safeguard critical drainage corridors and stormwater pathways, ensuring that future planning and development decisions strengthen rather than weaken urban resilience.