Hodonín Days for Climate: How to Turn a Crisis into an Opportunity

The purpose of the Hodonín Days for Climate (24 May – 24 June) was to inspire other municipalities, promote cooperation across regions, and involve local residents – including schoolchildren, associations, senior citizens and more. A platform was created to share experiences and find concrete solutions. A number of activities took place this year where there have been transformations in recent years with the support of the KKFF Foundation. For example, the Hodonín Dúbrava Nature House was inaugurated last June and other places in the Bažantnice area are gradually undergoing transformation, where a children's town is being created. The local park and sports changing rooms are also undergoing revitalisation.

Conference on increasing resilience

A key part of the Hodonín Climate Days programme was the two‑day conference “Life after the Elements,” focused on climate resilience of towns and villages. The event was the result of four years of cooperation between People in Need and the City of Hodonín, which began in June 2021 after the events of the tornado. Participants were able to learn about the concrete steps Hodonín has taken and how the devastation started the city's transformation. There were also presentations by representatives of other municipalities affected by the tornado, who discussed their experiences. The conference also gave space for experts on spatial planning, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and grant programmes to discuss and present.

Tours of restored sites, running across the border or screening

Thanks to guided tours on the ground, it was possible to see how the city is transforming into a space more welcoming for residents and nature. A walk from the House of Nature through the Red Houses Park to the sports complex showed that thoughtful investment in public space can have a long‑term positive impact on city life. The programme was complemented by other community events such as a SWAP plant exchange, a run across the Czech‑Slovak border, and the Tour de Tornado, which took participants through communities affected by the tornado and presented examples of successful recovery. The documentary film Tornado – One Year On was also screened. Sazka also extended the event's facilities by temporarily placing modular furniture made from recycled materials in front of the local Youth Home.

Why the Foundation supports the event

The KKFF Foundation has long supported the restoration of Hodonín and other projects that contribute to climate resilience and quality public space. We believe that landscape and urban renewal makes sense when it respects the needs of people, while responding to climate challenges. The Climate Days in Hodonín naturally fulfil this philosophy: they connect local initiatives with expertise and show that even difficult experiences can lead to positive change. The event was a group effort, organised by the Foundation, the City of Hodonín, People in Need, and other organisations.