Retain water!
EWA KOTUS: Water retention is the ability of the landscape, soil, vegetation and water reservoirs to retain and store water, and then gradually release it back into the environment.
To put it as simply as possible, it is the natural or artificial ‘storage’ of water after precipitation, which protects against drought but also prevents flooding. This definition is presented by AI.
ADAM OTRĘBA – LIPKA FOREST DISTRICT: We have been doing this for over 30 years. Retaining water and slowing down its runoff as part of the small lowland retention programme are important measures taken by the Lipka Forest District, which bring clear visible effects – the resistance of tree stands to periodic water shortages increases, the microclimate improves, and new and restored reservoirs become a habitat for many species of plants and animals. Small lowland retention is a real support for nature and an important element in the adaptation of forests to changing climatic conditions.
The aim of these initiatives is to improve the water balance, counteract the effects of drought and reduce the risk of flash floods and local flooding.
E. K. You have scientific knowledge primarily in the field of forestry. But let’s look at the issue globally first. If it doesn’t rain for a long time, the ground cracks from the heat of the sun and the grass, bushes and trees are so dry that a single spark is enough to start a huge fire… What are the absolute basics of systematic soil moistening for each environment to maintain constant soil moisture, and to what extent does human activity influence this?
Photos: Lipka Forest District
A.O.: Constant soil moisture depends primarily on the efficient circulation of water in nature: regular rainfall, good soil structure rich in humus, and the presence of vegetative cover, which limits evaporation and increases retention. A landscape capable of retaining water – with forests, meadows, wetlands, and natural river valleys – plays a key role. Humans today have a very large impact on these processes. Human activities such as draining wetlands, regulating rivers and sealing surfaces accelerate water runoff and exacerbate drought. On the other hand, actions such as river renaturation, wetland restoration, increasing the organic matter content in the soil and sustainable forest management can significantly improve retention and reduce the risk of fires. The key is to strengthen natural water retention mechanisms, not just technical irrigation.
Photo: Lipka Forest District
E.K. But when cities, entire regions or countries are hit by massive floods, we also blame ourselves. We know that it is human fault, because we did not take proper care of these areas… However, we do not understand what humans failed to do before this tragedy, or perhaps what they neglected to do for centuries to prevent such tragedies from happening… And here again, I come back to the fundamental question: what are the essential principles of caring for nature to prevent flooding?
A.O.: In the context of the activities carried out by the Lipka Forest District, the key principle of flood prevention is to retain water in the landscape rather than drain it away quickly. For centuries, humans have drained wetlands, straightened rivers and accelerated water runoff, which today results in violent flood waves. The basis for caring for nature is to restore its natural retention mechanisms: protecting forests, peat bogs and floodplains, slowing down runoff through small retention and allowing rivers to meander naturally. A healthy, diverse forest and restored wetlands act like a sponge – they store water during rainfall and release it gradually. It is these actions that reduce the risk of flooding and stabilise water relations.
E.K.: ‘Stop the water – lowland water retention’ is a very important film. It is easy to understand and should be watched by everyone, regardless of age. We take our hats off to you, for how highly specialised you have become in maintaining the forest in good condition and learning about its needs. What was the main purpose of making this film?
A.O.: I confirm that the words: ‘Stop the water – lowland water retention’ are a very important film, fully reflecting its meaning and value. It is an extremely necessary film, addressing an important issue in a clear, accessible and understandable way for every viewer. Our goal was to present this issue in a simple form so that it would appeal to both younger and older audiences, building awareness and responsibility for the environment. This is a film that everyone should see, regardless of age, because it concerns issues that are fundamental to our common future. Water retention is a long-term process that requires patience and consistency. Before we begin, we must thoroughly understand the structure of water relations in the forest environment and observe how water behaves during periods of excess. In the film, an example of such activities is the watercourse in the Górzno forest district, which carries water from the catchment area to the Gwda River. It is a watercourse on which, for almost 30 years, we have been effectively retaining water, improving the balance of both channel water and groundwater. Our work began with the construction of four wooden weirs, which enabled channel retention.
E.K.: What is particularly noteworthy is how consciously and intelligently you work with nature. You do not follow established patterns or rigid rules – on the contrary, your actions demonstrate great creativity and attentiveness to what has already been created by nature. Instead of imposing your own solutions, you are able to listen to your surroundings and treat them as a starting point for further action. You do not destroy the existing landscape, but rather complement it harmoniously. Your ideas fit naturally into the space, as if they were an extension of it.
A.O.: Water retention in the landscape is one of the most important examples of conscious and responsible cooperation with nature. Its essence is not to impose rigid, technical solutions on the environment, but to carefully utilise the natural processes that already occur within it.
In the retention approach, it is crucial to recognise the potential of the site – existing depressions in the terrain, natural watercourses, wetlands and soil types. Instead of transforming the landscape in an invasive manner, the measures are based on strengthening and supplementing it. The constructionIn of drainage facilities, i.e. weirs, sluices made of natural materials, and retention reservoirs, does not destroy the space, but harmoniously complements it.
Photos: Lipka Forest District
Retention shows that it is possible to act flexibly – each space requires an individual approach. There is no single universal rule, because each place has different natural conditions. It is precisely this attentiveness and creativity that make solutions a natural extension of the landscape. Water is not treated as a problem to be quickly drained away, but as a resource that is worth retaining, slowing down and making use of.
Retention understood in this way is an example of design in harmony with nature – based on observation, respect and cooperation. Thanks to this, the space not only retains its character, but also becomes more resistant to drought, flooding and climate change.
E.K. When improving existing elements, you try to use natural materials – such as wood – which emphasise the authenticity of the place and strengthen its connection with nature. This approach demonstrates not only aesthetic sensitivity, but also responsibility and respect for the environment, which you treat as a partner in the creative process rather than a space to be subjugated.
A.O.: Water retention in the Lipka Forest District is an example of an approach in which forest management works in harmony with nature rather than subjugating it. Retention measures here do not involve radical landscape reconstruction, but rather the improvement of existing environmental elements – old ditches, natural depressions in the terrain and forest wetlands. The projects mainly use natural materials such as wood, stone and earth. Wooden sluices, thresholds and small weirs slow down the outflow of water, raise its level in the soil and restore moisture to forest habitats. Such solutions not only effectively retain water, but also emphasise the authenticity of the place and strengthen its connection with the surrounding nature. It is particularly important that these measures are based on the observation of natural hydrological processes. Instead of draining water as quickly as possible, it is allowed to soak in, spread and feed the ecosystem. As a result, the condition of tree stands improves, biodiversity increases, and the forest’s resistance to drought and the effects of climate change increases.
This approach demonstrates responsibility and respect for the environment – the forest is treated as a partner in the management process. Water retention in the Lipka Forest District is therefore not only a technical measure, but a conscious strategy for protecting and strengthening natural resources.
E.K.: Poland ranks among the lowest in terms of water resources and retention capacity. This is very, very sad. Are we really that irresponsible?
A.O.: The claim that Poland is one of the countries with the lowest water resources in Europe is, unfortunately, true – and this is also evident at the local level, including in areas managed by the Lipka Forest District. The problem is not solely due to irresponsibility, but also to historical decisions: for decades, wetlands were drained and watercourses regulated in order to increase agricultural and forestry production. Today, we know that such actions have significantly reduced natural water retention.
In the Lipka region, where permeable soils and small natural reservoirs dominate, water drains away quickly and the effects of drought are increasingly noticeable. Therefore, small-scale retention measures are being implemented, such as the construction of weirs, the restoration of wetlands and the creation of forest reservoirs. These steps are heading in the right direction, but the scale of the challenges is considerable. It is crucial to consistently rebuild the landscape’s ability to retain water, because without this, the drought will worsen, and we have been doing this for over 30 years, as it is a long-term process.
E.K.: Forests are our national treasure. They are a haven of rest, a space of tranquillity and a place where our dreams are born. The forest gives us strength to live, soothes our senses and allows us to find inner balance.
A.O.: The nature of the forest has always given and continues to give people a sense of peace and security. It creates an atmosphere conducive to reflection and tranquillity. Surrounded by the beautiful colours of wild nature, our eyes can rest, we breathe clean air and enjoy the unique scent of the forest. The forest is our ally and friend – that is why it is our duty to care for it and responsibly protect this priceless asset, and where there is water, there is life.
20h FilmAT Festival 2025
CORPORATE & INSTITUTIONAL FILMS
2nd prize Environmental protection & Ecology
“Retain Water – Lowland Water Retention”
Lipka Forest District