A panel discussion titled “Towards Climate-Resilient Cities: The Role and Importance of Blue-Green Infrastructure” was held on May 20, 2025. at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Montenegro, gathering experts, policymakers, and academics to discuss innovative urban development strategies focused on sustainability and energy efficiency.
The event began with opening remarks from Prof. Milivoje Rogač, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, UoM. The keynote lecture, delivered by Prof. Dr. Florian Kretschmer from BOKU University in Vienna, addressed new challenges in stormwater management, emphasising the EU framework and the potential of nature-based solutions and blue-green infrastructure in Montenegro.
Following the lecture, Ms. Olga Ćalasan, a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, UoM, presented preliminary research findings on climate-smart urban development.
The panel discussion featured representatives from the Capital City of Podgorica, the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the UNDP Office in Montenegro. Moderated by environmental protection expert Miloš Džiknić and Ms. Ćalasan, the session explored the opportunities and obstacles for implementing blue-green infrastructure in Montenegrin cities.
The event concluded with an open Q&A session and final remarks summarising key takeaways and recommended actions for integrating sustainable practices into urban planning.
This event is part of the broader SMARTWB project initiative to enhance curricula and foster collaboration between academic and non-academic sectors in climate-smart urban development.
