How can a region prepare for the impacts of climate change on water resources? How can elected representatives, technical experts and water managers develop a shared understanding in order to build a common action strategy?
These questions guided the stakeholder workshop held on 24 June 2026 in Rioz (Haute-Saône) as part of the preparation of the Ognon catchment Territorial Water Management Project (PTGE). Alongside ISL Ingénierie and CD Eau, ACTeon is supporting the Ognon Valley Syndicate in this process. Nearly forty participants gathered with a common objective: to share findings, compare experiences and identify priorities that will shape the future PTGE strategy.
Sharing knowledge to build collective solutions
The morning focused on the territorial assessmentand future outlook. Scientific presentations by Professor Daniel Gilbert (University of Bourgogne–Franche-Comté) and Raphaël Aubrun (ISL Ingénierie) outlined the expected climate changes by 2050 and their consequences for the basin’s water resources. This first session provided an opportunity to share existing knowledge while opening the discussion, allowing participants to compare study results with field observations.
Through a facilitated collective exercise led by ACTeon, participants highlighted a growing—though still insufficient—awareness of water-related challenges. They also expressed concerns about the difficulties of implementing adaptation measures, including limited resources, the need for stronger coordination between local and national levels, and improved communication on water issues for both elected representatives and the general public. Discussions also revealed numerous opportunities to put the territory on a more ambitious adaptation pathway, particularly by using the PTGE to raise awareness and encourage more sustainable water uses.
Drawing inspiration from practical experience
In the afternoon, participants heard presentationsfrom Guillaume Blondel-Gaborieau, Mayor of Loulans-Verchamp and Vice-President of the Pays de Montbozon et du Chanois Community of Municipalities; Joti Rouillard, PTGE Project Officer at EPAGE Haut-Doubs Haute-Loue; and Michel Delon from the Haute-Saône Chamber of Agriculture, accompanied by farmer Charline Noirot.
Beyond the technical projects presented, the speakers emphasized that successful adaptation depends as much on dialogue among local stakeholders as on the quality of technical solutions. These exchanges enabled participants to reflect on their own practices and identify ideas that could be transferred to the Ognon catchment. Mr Blondel-Gaborieau notably presented a river re-meandering project designed to reduce flooding while improving groundwater recharge. This concrete example encouraged participants to collectively identify the key steps and challenges involved in implementing a similar project in the Ognon basin, including obtaining agreement from riparian landowners, securing funding and ensuring local acceptance.
Building a shared vision
The final part of the day consisted of group workshops facilitated by ACTeon. Divided into three round tables, participants identified key levers for action, major barriers and priority actions for three key themes: wastewater management, spatial planning and drinking water. Several common priorities emerged: promoting more efficient water use, restoring the natural functions of ecosystems, increasing awareness and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, and strengthening support from local authorities for the adaptation of economic sectors across the basin.
Stakeholder dialogue as a driver of decision-making
Beyond the presentations and workshops, the event laid the foundations for a collective reflection on the future of water resources in the Ognon catchment. By combining scientific knowledge, practical experience and local realities, participants began to build a shared understanding of the challenges and priorities that will support the development of a shared strategy and action plan for the Ognon PTGE over the coming months.
The latest information about the Ognon PTGE is available on the SVO website