SpongeBoost partner Lenka Zaňková from Jan Evangelista Purkyně University (UJEP) presented on evaluating the economic benefits of wetlands to support informed decision-making and innovative financing at the 16th CzWA Conference, that took place from 17–19 September in Litomyšl. She emphasised that investing in wetlands improves water quality, soil protection, and resilience to floods and droughts, while also boosting biodiversity and quality of life.

The CzWA conference, organised by the Czech Water Association, is a major platform bringing together experts from research, technology, consulting, industry, NGOs, and public administration to exchange knowledge and advance sustainable water management amid climate change and environmental pressures.

Within the first year of the SpongeBoost project, UJEP conducted a comprehensive literature review to create a standard reference catalogue for securing and enhancing sponge functions in adaptation to climate change. The catalogue integrates social, economic, technical, and ecological effects and served as a widely used resource across Europe and beyond.