Dammed Waters

The investigation contrasts Poland's experiences—including its successes with large polders and persistent systemic challenges in flood management—with those of the Czech Republic. The reporting reveals an institutional bias towards costly traditional reservoirs, which often sidelines more adaptable, nature-based solutions such as polder systems.

Journalists will scrutinise how protection systems in both countries have evolved since historic floods and how they have performed in recent crises. The team asks why Czech authorities frequently champion massive dam projects and who benefits from these decisions. Despite huge investments, some areas in both nations remain critically vulnerable, and the shift to resilient, landscape-based defences is dangerously slow.

The focus will be on accountability and real-world community impact, not just infrastructure. 'Dammed Waters' aims to provide crucial insights to inform smarter, more transparent strategies for protecting communities in an era of escalating climate threats.