On October 22 2024, representatives of local governments, partners of the “Green Science Zone” project and researchers from universities forming the European City of Science Katowice 2024 consortium – including experts from our Observatory – gathered to discuss the importance of the Rawa River in the context of climate change adaptation.
During the open seminar “Rawa – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,” participants explored the long-term benefits of the planned revitalisation of the Rawa River. These include reclaiming a green zone suitable not only for recreation but also for learning, scientific research and education.
One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by the Observatory expert Assoc. Prof. Krzysztof Bierwiaczonek, PhD (Institute of Sociology, University of Silesia). He shared the findings of the latest sociological research on how Katowice residents perceive the Rawa River and its surroundings. The study, led by prof. Bierwiaczonek, was commissioned by the City of Katowice in 2022. The interdisciplinary research team included sociologists Witold Mandrysz, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Robert Pyka, PhD and Agata Zygmunt-Ziemianek, PhD, as well as biologists and environmental specialists Assoc. Prof. Edyta Sierka, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Andrzej Woźnica, PhD.
Prof. Bierwiaczonek’s presentation focused on the social meanings and expectations regarding the use of space around the Rawa. Flowing through the University of Silesia campus in the heart of the GZM Metropolis, the river is envisioned as the central axis for the transformation of Katowice’s city center as part of the comprehensive “Green Science Zone” project.
The seminar’s special guest was Stephan Treuke, PhD, from the TU Dortmund University (Germany), who shared experiences from the revitalisation of the Emscher River – an inspiring example of successful ecosystem restoration and urban public space renewal.
Bringing the Rawa River back to life requires close cooperation between all key stakeholders – from local governments and municipal service providers to local communities. One of the current priorities is the development of a master plan that will outline how to manage the entire river catchment area, taking into account urban planning, infrastructure and environmental considerations.
In 2022, the first spatial prototyping near the Rawa boulevards was carried out. The efforts to revive the Rawa River were recognised by the European Commission, which awarded the GZM Metropolis and the University of Silesia in the Mobility Action competition. The prototyping initiative was led by the GZM Metropolis and the University of Silesia, with support from the City of Katowice and consortium member universities.
Follow the progress of the Green Science Zone initiative on the European City of Science Katowice 2024 website >>>
