Isonzo River drought prompts urgent request for water management reform

Local representatives and the Forum Gorizia have submitted an urgent request to Italian ministries and regional authorities regarding a severe water and ecological crisis affecting the Isonzo River. The initiative calls for immediate action to address the impact of climate change on the river's management and environmental protection.

A central demand of the request is to renegotiate the water release regulations from the Solkan hydroelectric plant located in Slovenia. Proponents argue that new regulations are necessary to ensure water flows that support biodiversity, ecosystem services, agriculture, and hydroelectric needs.

The matter is expected to be discussed during a joint Italian-Slovenian commission for hydroeconomy scheduled to meet in Gorizia on September 30. Regional motions have also been filed to urge the Italian government to engage in these discussions to safeguard the river's health.