As climate change accelerates and extreme weather events become more frequent, the need for innovative and effective flood risk management tools is more urgent than ever.

Within the framework of the URNBANFLOODS project—a flagship regional initiative aimed at enhancing flood resilience in the Adriatic-Ionian region—project partners from North Macedonia, The Center for Knowledge Management (CKM) and the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering (FINKI), are taking a significant step forward through the development and implementation of a Decision Support System (DSS) for the Kriva Reka watershed.

The Kriva Reka DSS is one of the project’s key pilot actions from North Macedonia. It represents a practical, locally tailored solution to the increasing flood risks in the region. The watershed was selected as a pilot area due to its high-risk exposure and the strong commitment of local authorities to strengthening disaster resilience and preparedness.

Developed in close collaboration with URBANFLOODS project partners, as well as national and local stakeholders and institutions, the DSS builds on existing disaster risk reduction frameworks—particularly the Intermunicipal Strategic Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction 2022–2026 for the municipalities of Kriva Palanka and Rankovce.

Key Functionalities of the DSS for the Kriva Reka River Basin:

• Real-time flood monitoring and scenario modelling
• Support for emergency response coordination and evacuation planning
• Integration with municipal and national early warning systems
• Tools for long-term urban and land-use planning to mitigate future risk

Supporting EU Integration and Climate Resilience

Through the URBANFLOODS project, the implementation of the DSS for the Kriva Reka basin is transforming how local authorities and communities approach flood risk. Furthermore, by harnessing digital innovation, fostering multi-level collaboration, and empowering local actors, this initiative sets a powerful example of how smart technologies can lead to safer, more resilient communities. Beyond managing immediate flood risks, the DSS contributes to broader and long-term strategic goals, including:

• Alignment with EU water management and civil protection legislation
• Advancement of national and regional climate adaptation objectives
• Promotion of nature-based solutions for sustainable flood mitigation

Additionally, the DSS directly supports the development of Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) for the Kriva Reka River basin, while encouraging evidence-based, forward-looking decision-making—a crucial element for achieving sustainable urban development and climate resilience in North Macedonia.