Welcome to the River University 2025
The River University is an open and international, interdisciplinary course, sharing river ecosystems knowledge via open access, wide availability and understandable-science platform in the Baltic Sea Region and Europe for a variety of participants - river stakeholders: academia staff and students, river practitioners, water-related institutions and official country representatives, consulting/business participants, landscape architects, municipalities, locals and individuals.
The River University supports institutional and official knowledge and was founded by Ewa Leś in 2018 under the wings of Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB), where it has been successfully developed through the co-organization with different CCB Member Organizations. The pilot case took place in Poland in 2018. It was then established internationally with the 1st edition in Poland (2020) and successfully continued with the 2nd edition in Lithuania (2021), the 3rd one in Estonia and the 4th edition in Germany. Always reacting on the current water issues in European and non-EU countries.
The international River University - 6th Edition:
The 6th edition of the River University took place in Lithuania, Nemunas delta from 21-26 September 2025 focusing on River University future development and topical - on freshwater biodiversity of one of the few natural river deltas in Europe, Ramsar and Natura 2000 place, where many species and habitats are unique or on edge of extinction in the latest decades.
We got a glimpse on sustainable nature tourism practices related to rivers and water-dependent ecosystems visiting natural floodplain meadows, aluvian forests, as well as the 1907 finished dyke and drainage system.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The co-organizer of our event this year was the
Alcedo Wildlife Tours from Lithuania since 2015, owned by Boris Belchev, experienced nature guide.
WHEN:
21st September (arrival) – 26th (departure) 2025
WHERE:
Nemunas Delta Regional park, Lithuania.
The closest train and bus station is in Šilutė and the closest airport is in Palanga.
HOW:
As usual, we combined outdoor practical time with visits and lectures to offer a full boat of riverine knowledge which was delivered by the top nature guide, lecturers and practicioners for whom the river is an everyday occurrence.
It was an English speaking event.
Helping each other (e.g. with translation if needed or other issues) was a key element of our teamwork.
River University operated according to sustainable event management practices. For example, we avoided producing paper materials, favoured public or shared transport, and refrained from using single-use plastic. Tap water was preferred, and it was suggested to bring your thermos or cup.
WHO:
We invited participants from the EU and Eastern Partnership countries. Knowledge of freshwater ecosystems, rivers in particular was advantageous as the course was oriented towards exchanging knowledge amongst water-related sectors: River University is cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary, inviting practicioners, scientists, water-related institutions, researchers as well as businesses to collaborate. Contribution to the program was expected.
Up to 15 participants were invited on the basis of the registration form, to keep our group familiar and comfortable.
Participants were asked to share their concepts of initiatives or projects where the River University knowledge might be applied and supportive to ensure that River University with its participants delivered useful, applied knowledge that can be used in practice.
REGISTRATION:
Closed.
COSTS:
The course was free of charge and the costs of participation (accommodation, travels, meals, lectures and outdoor activities) was covered by CCB. However, knowledge contribution from the participants was required as presented above: either during particular edition or during developing River University as a whole.
Refunded costs for participants was up to 150€ include carbon footprint-wise travel costs for participants from EU Member States, as well as from Eastern Partnership countries.
CCB was not responsible for injury or loss of property during the River University 2025.
Pictures from the event
Originator and founder of River University/Rzeczny Uniwersytet (tested in 2018, established internationally in 2020). A biologist by profession, but looking towards people and their perception of the environment. Co-founder of Koalicja Ratujmy Rzeki/Save The Rivers Coalition (KRR), a social initiative for the protection of natural rivers in Poland, gathering the voices of ‘river stakeholders’ into one strong tone. Member of EEB water working group, Observer of International Commission for the Protection of the Odra River against Pollution. Co-creator and coordinator of the first Water Round Table in cooperation with the Polish Ministry of Environment (2009-2011). Engaged in creating a Partnership for the Baltic initiative (2007-2011). Particularly working in areas of transboundary rivers, water stakeholders inclusion and engagement, water conflicts, water democracy building. A supporter of NVC dialogue. She comes from her two parental organizations: Society of Friends of Ina and Gowienica rivers and EkoUnia Association.
~ Let’s go with the river flow and learn from each other! ~
Co-funded by:
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the funders. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
The River University is one of our annual events.
You can read more about the project and the previous or future editions.