{"id":36248,"date":"2025-08-08T16:21:51","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T15:21:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/?p=36248"},"modified":"2025-08-08T17:47:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T16:47:15","slug":"interview-with-mgr-petr-birklen-director-general-of-the-povodi-odry-state-enterprise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/2025\/08\/interview-with-mgr-petr-birklen-director-general-of-the-povodi-odry-state-enterprise\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Mgr. Petr Birklen, Director General of the Povod\u00ed Odry, state enterprise"},"content":{"rendered":"\"\"<\/a>\n
Photo: MSID, a. s.<\/h6>\n

At the\u00a0beginning of March this year, Petr Birklen became Director General of the\u00a0state enterprise Povod\u00ed Odry. How long was the\u00a0journey to this position and what does it mean to him? How did he cope with the\u00a0aftermath of the\u00a02024 floods, and how does he manage to fight against misinformation? And will the\u00a0long-discussed Nov\u00e9 He\u0159minovy dam finally be built? Mgr. Petr Birklen answers our questions.<\/p>\n

Mr. Birklen, you studied Systematic Biology and Ecology with a\u00a0focus on Hydrobiology at Palack\u00fd University in Olomouc. What was the\u00a0motivation, or rather, what led you to this field?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Even as a boy, I was fascinated by two phenomena: the world of living organisms \u2013 how the entire complex system functions \u2013 and, more specifically, the human body. When I was deciding which path to take after secondary school, studying medicine was my first choice. I am from the strong generation of the 1970\u2019s; so the numbers of applicants to study were staggering then, which, combined with my somewhat rebellious years, ultimately led to me not getting accepted to any university. It was a hard blow, but as time had shown, a rather useful one. By chance, I came across a newly opened post-secondary study programme in Ostrava focused on applied ecology. It felt close to my interests, so I gave it a try, planning to use that year for intensive preparation for further admission exams. In the end, my decision proved to be an excellent choice. At that time, the field was just beginning, little was known about it, and there were only a few students enrolled. The lecturers were from the Department of Biology and Ecology at the Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava. There, I encountered personalities such as Zden\u011bk \u010euri\u0161, Zden\u011bk Majkus, Jaroslav A\u0161mera, and Ale\u0161 Doln\u00fd, who had an absolutely fantastic approach to us. Moreover, since there were so few of us, a great group formed, and we had lots of fun together. This short but intense experience ultimately became a crucial impulse\u00a0for me to apply to the\u00a0field of Systematic Biology and Ecology. I began my studies at the\u00a0University of Ostrava, so I was, in effect, continuing with the\u00a0same lecturers. I\u00a0then completed my master\u2019s degree at Palack\u00fd University in Olomouc.<\/p>\n

After completing your studies, you worked \u2013 with a\u00a0brief break \u2013 for more than eight years as the\u00a0head of the\u00a0regional office of the\u00a0Nature Conservation Agency of the\u00a0Czech Republic (NCA) in Ostrava. What ambitions did you have when you took up this position? Can you recall your first project?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Although NCA\u00a0was a\u00a0career goal for me after graduation, it was not my first work experience. I faced compulsory civilian service, and I set myself the\u00a0goal of doing something that would not be a\u00a0complete waste of time and would be useful for my future professional career. At that time, I came to the\u00a0NCA\u00a0office in Olomouc and asked if they could use me as a\u00a0civilian service worker. The\u00a0head, Ji\u0159\u00ed \u0160af\u00e1\u0159, patiently listened to me but told me to come back after I had completed my civilian service. So, I had to forget about NCA\u00a0for the\u00a0time being. However, I\u00a0found an advertisement in the\u00a0newspaper for a\u00a0selection procedure for a\u00a0water management technician at the\u00a0Czech Fishing Union office in Ostrava. Boldly, I\u00a0went there with the\u00a0condition that if they hired me, they would first have to allow me to complete my civilian service there \u2013 which, as I found out, was possible at the\u00a0Fishing Union. And they actually took me on! Although it was not entirely in line with the\u00a0civilian service rules at the\u00a0time, I was immediately able to perform the\u00a0work of the\u00a0advertised position. This fulfilled my goal, and I ended up staying there for another two years as an employee. I mention this mainly because it was a\u00a0crucial experience for my further career. There, I immersed myself in water management practice and, thanks to the\u00a0area\u00a0managed (which included the\u00a0entire Oder basin and partly the\u00a0Morava\u00a0basin), I gained detailed knowledge not only of the\u00a0hydrographic network in the\u00a0region but also of local specifics. One of my important professional encounters also took place here \u2013 with Associate Professor Milan Ja\u0159ab\u00e1\u010d, a\u00a0forestry and water management researcher who was then a\u00a0member of the\u00a0Union\u2019s governing bodies. With him, I went on countless field trips and meetings with watercourse managers and designers, which essentially supplemented my water management education. Those years of our cooperation were truly a\u00a0great learning experience. Only after this first work experience did the\u00a0offer to work at NCA\u00a0come \u2013 at the\u00a0Ostrava\u00a0regional office. When working on the\u00a0restoration of the\u00a0Ji\u010d\u00ednka\u00a0river, the\u00a0head of the\u00a0regional office, Vladim\u00edr Mana, approached me to see if I could help with the\u00a0declaration of Skalick\u00e1 Mor\u00e1vka\u00a0National Nature Monument and prepare the\u00a0materials for the\u00a0management plan. This project thus became my first at NCA, which I began while still an external collaborator. I was soon hired by NCA\u00a0as a\u00a0zoologist, and even before I\u00a0had a\u00a0chance to settle into the\u00a0role, I was appointed head of the\u00a0Ostrava\u00a0office. That was a\u00a0big leap for me. At NCA, I then mainly focused on water, river restoration, and the\u00a0removal of migratory barriers.<\/p>\n

Your professional career has also been connected with the\u00a0private sector. For over five years, you worked at Ekotoxa, s. r. o. How strongly did you feel this change compared to your previous professional experience?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Anyone who has experienced such a\u00a0change will surely agree that the\u00a0difference between the\u00a0public and private sectors is truly significant. Although Ekotoxa\u00a0always had research ambitions and was primarily focused on supporting public administration, it was still a\u00a0limited liability company that had to sustain itself mainly through contracts \u2013 which is not always straightforward in the\u00a0field of environmental consulting. Until then, I was used to working with an allocated budget and did not have to worry so much about where the\u00a0money for expenses would come from or how to pay the\u00a0staff. Suddenly, as executive director, this became my daily routine, and it was essential to understand knowledge and experience as capital that either has current market demand or does not. In simple terms, on one hand it meant constantly thinking about new products based on demand or competition and, on the\u00a0other hand, managing cash flow \u2013 that is, ensuring a\u00a0steady influx of money into the\u00a0company. I believe that during our time working together, we managed to achieve a\u00a0few things, especially in areas I had focused on before, such as at the\u00a0Ministry of the\u00a0Environment. I launched products such as the\u00a0Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and the\u00a0Territorial Landscape Studies, which we helped the\u00a0Ministry of Regional Development to set up both methodologically and through the\u00a0implementation of a\u00a0pilot project. During my tenure, we were also quite successful in the\u00a0research field and managed to secure several research projects supported by the\u00a0Technology Agency of the\u00a0Czech Republic.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0next five years or so of your professional life were connected with the\u00a0regional development agency Moravian-Silesian Investments and Development, a. s. (MSID). Within a\u00a0few months, you progressed from the\u00a0position of an environmental expert to company management, with responsibility for the\u00a0successful implementation of projects. Which projects are you proud of, and which, on the\u00a0other hand, were not implemented?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I am undoubtedly proud of the\u00a0first project, the\u00a0management of which actually brought me to MSID. It is the\u00a0ten-year integrated LIFE COALA\u00a0project, which I came up with together with a\u00a0friend, and then went on to prepare the\u00a0funding application. The\u00a0Moravian-Silesian Region and twelve other partners succeeded in securing a\u00a0grant for it from the\u00a0LIFE programme amounting to nearly ten million Euro, which represents sixty per cent of the\u00a0total costs. The\u00a0project is still ongoing and to this day remains only the\u00a0second integrated LIFE project in the\u00a0Czech Republic and the\u00a0first to be implemented solely at the\u00a0regional level. I believe it will help the\u00a0Moravian-Silesian Region strengthen its climate change resilience and support the\u00a0broader transformation of our coal-mining region. I am also proud of the\u00a0POHO 2030 development programme, which I\u00a0built with my team on the\u00a0basis of the\u00a0Post-Mining Area\u00a0Development Concept for the\u00a0Karvin\u00e1 region created by my predecessors. One of the\u00a0region\u2019s flagship strategic transformation projects \u2013 POHO Park Gabriela\u00a0\u2013 eventually emerged from this programme. It focuses on transforming a\u00a0former hard coal mine \u2013 now a\u00a0listed cultural monument \u2013 into a\u00a0cultural and educational centre for the\u00a0Karvin\u00e1 area. The\u00a0project has obtained planning permission, secured funding of CZK 400 million from the\u00a0Just Transition Operational Programme, and construction work is scheduled to begin next year. What has not been successful within the\u00a0POHO 2030 programme, however, is the\u00a0conversion of two decommissioned hard coal mines into economic zones. This is crucial for the\u00a0region, as the\u00a0coal phase out has resulted in the\u00a0loss of economic activity in parts of the\u00a0region. It is therefore necessary not only to replace that activity, but also to actively create conditions for the\u00a0re-development or establishment of new and forward-looking industrial sectors. As far as I know, the\u00a0newly established state-owned company SIRS is expected to take over these pre-prepared MSID projects and carry them forward. What matters most is that the\u00a0work was not in vain.<\/p>\n

Since 1 March this year, you have held the\u00a0position of Director General of the\u00a0Povod\u00ed Odry, state enterprise. As you yourself noted, you took up this position at a\u00a0crucial time for removing flood damage, implementing flood protection measures, and meeting the\u00a0schedule for preparing the\u00a0construction of Nov\u00e9 He\u0159minovy reservoir. What has been achieved in terms of removing flood damage since you assumed the\u00a0role of Director General?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It would be rather presumptuous to speak of any accomplishments after such a short time in the role.\u00a0 I inherited, among other things, an already initiated process of addressing flood damage from my predecessor, including\u00a0a\u00a0timetable for the\u00a0following period, which I am more or less adhering to.\u00a0 There is not much room to speed up the\u00a0process, but I want to focus in particular on removing potential barriers that could delay preparation and subsequent implementation. This means, above all, intensive cooperation with local authorities and the\u00a0public, especially landowners in the\u00a0affected areas. To take it step by step, since last year approximately CZK 240 million has been effectively spent on addressing flood damage. These funds were primarily allocated to urgent stabilisation works wherever necessary, in order to at least provisionally prevent further damage. We have also partly begun the\u00a0restoration of water management infrastructure. We completed the\u00a0restoration of damaged embankments in Opava\u00a0\u2013 Palhanec, in Krnov \u2013 Kostelec, and at the\u00a0confluence of the\u00a0Oder and Opava\u00a0rivers in Ostrava. Given that the\u00a0damage to water management assets alone at the\u00a0Povod\u00ed Odry has been estimated at CZK 6.1 billion, we still have a\u00a0major workload ahead. We are currently cooperating on a\u00a0flood protection restoration study for selected sections of the\u00a0Opava\u00a0and Opavice rivers, which is being prepared by the\u00a0NCA\u00a0CR. We will follow up the\u00a0results, which we will have by the\u00a0end of July, with design work (the\u00a0interview was conducted in May, ed.). In many places \u2013 particularly along the\u00a0Opava\u00a0river between Vrbno and Nov\u00e9 He\u0159minovy \u2013 it will probably involve a\u00a0complete shift in the\u00a0concept of flood protection towards more semi-natural approaches. Although there will be no such studies at the\u00a0B\u011bl\u00e1 and Vidn\u00e1vka, we will consult with AOPK on the\u00a0design preparation of the\u00a0restoration. However, on many watercourses, we have already independently launched the\u00a0design phase for restoring sections located primarily within built-up areas, which are not covered by the\u00a0aforementioned study. In these locations, restoration is generally only possible within the\u00a0original parameters. We are also currently finalising the\u00a0documentation required to apply for a\u00a0building permit for the\u00a0Nov\u00e9 He\u0159minovy reservoir, including the\u00a0resolution of property and legal relationships. As part of the\u00a0complex of measures on the\u00a0Upper Opava, in addition to the\u00a0reservoir itself, we are also preparing modifications to the\u00a0streams below the\u00a0dam from Z\u00e1tor to Krnov. Building permits have already been issued for two sections, and documentation for the\u00a0others is nearing completion.\u00a0 This year, we also plan to launch the\u00a0design phase for flood protection measures within the\u00a0town of Krnov \u2013 a\u00a0process that, thanks to an agreement with the\u00a0town, we are bringing forward by several years.<\/p>\n

Which current flood protection projects are now in the\u00a0implementation phase, and for which do you anticipate a\u00a0\u201cribbon-cutting\u201d ceremony?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

First and foremost, I must mention the\u00a0flood protection measures in Bohum\u00edn\u2013Pudlov. This CZK 400 million project is expected to be completed in 2026. Once the\u00a0technical measures have been implemented, the\u00a0built-up areas of the\u00a0affected site will be protected from flooding during a\u00a0discharge of 1,555 m\u00b3\/s, which currently corresponds to a\u00a0one-hundred-year flood flow on the\u00a0Oder \u2013 with a\u00a00.5 m safety margin. It is also one of the\u00a0closely watched construction projects that will significantly contribute to the\u00a0protection of the\u00a0town of Bohum\u00edn. This year, we will be symbolically cutting the\u00a0ribbon at Ba\u0161ka\u00a0hydraulic structure, where the\u00a0reconstruction of the\u00a0spillway is nearing completion. This CZK 130 million investment will ensure the\u00a0safe and reliable transfer of extreme flood flows and enable the\u00a0structure to withstand the\u00a0impact of a\u00a0control millennial flood. This hydraulic structure operates as part of the\u00a0multi-purpose Oder River Basin Water Management System and, with a\u00a0total reservoir capacity of around 1.1 million m\u00b3, it is the\u00a0smallest reservoir in the\u00a0Oder catchment. The\u00a0construction of the\u00a0R\u00e1j \u2013 Karvin\u00e1 weir, with a\u00a0budget of CZK 94 million, is scheduled for completion by the\u00a0end of the\u00a0year. This weir is located in an area\u00a0affected by mining activity and had deteriorated to the\u00a0point where it could no longer fulfil its primary function \u2013 water abstraction. The\u00a0reconstruction is co-financed by OKD, which bears responsibility for the\u00a0damage caused by mining operations.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0zoning decision for the\u00a0Nov\u00e9 He\u0159minovy reservoir was challenged by the\u00a0environmental organisation D\u011bti Zem\u011b\/Children of the\u00a0Earth, and at the\u00a0same time, it was necessary to resolve property rights concerning eighteen landowners in the\u00a0cadastral area\u00a0of the\u00a0village. How are you progressing in this area?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0court\u2019s decision is now known. The\u00a0lawsuit filed by D\u011bti Zem\u011b was dismissed, thereby eliminating a\u00a0significant source of uncertainty in the\u00a0preparatory work for the\u00a0reservoir\u2019s construction. However, for the\u00a0sake of accuracy, it should be noted that an appeal is still possible \u2013 specifically, a\u00a0cassation complaint to the\u00a0Supreme Administrative Court, which D\u011bti Zem\u011b may yet choose to pursue. However, I would like to point out that one thing is the\u00a0challenged course of the\u00a0administrative procedure concerning the\u00a0siting permit for the\u00a0reservoir \u2013 specifically, the\u00a0way D\u011bti Zem\u011b\u2019s comments were addressed in the\u00a0challenged decision \u2013 and another matter is the\u00a0actual content of those comments. What I can influence is how we work with these comments, regardless of the\u00a0current ruling. That is why I met with Mr. Patrik from D\u011bti Zem\u011b to go over the\u00a0comments. We agreed that we would work with them in the\u00a0documentation for the\u00a0project permit, or subsequently in the\u00a0construction procedure and the\u00a0implementation of the\u00a0construction. As for property settlement, we have reached an agreement on purchase terms with the\u00a0majority of landowners. Expropriation is probable in only one case; we are continuing negotiations on two others, but we are already dealing with a\u00a0very specific form of land acquisition. It is also worth mentioning that on 26 April, Nov\u00e9 He\u0159minovy held a\u00a0referendum in which the\u00a0citizens expressed their support for the\u00a0construction of the\u00a0reservoir and the\u00a0associated flood protection measures in the\u00a0village, effectively removing a\u00a0long-standing obstacle to further negotiations. I am in close contact with the\u00a0village management. We need a\u00a0change to the\u00a0local development plan, and we will begin preparing compensation measures for the\u00a0village, the\u00a0preparation of which was halted around 2010. We have already presented the\u00a0proposed measures at a\u00a0public hearing. We have also set up a\u00a0joint working group involving representatives of the\u00a0village, citizens and the\u00a0designer to refine these measures and improve communication.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

Launch of the\u00a0Let\u2019s Clean Up the\u00a0Czech Republic event at the\u00a0Slezsk\u00e1 Harta\u00a0dam. On\u00a0the\u00a0left in the\u00a0photo is Petr Birklen, on the\u00a0right is dam manager Petr\u00a0Poledna\u00a0(source: P. Birklen archive)<\/h6>\n

The\u00a0last important point you highlighted upon taking up the\u00a0position of Director General was the\u00a0importance of effective communication with village and town authorities. How do you address misinformation in this context?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, in my view, this is fundamental. It is not some superficial policy, but an absolutely key part of the\u00a0company\u2019s operations that can save a\u00a0great deal of complications, especially in times of crisis or when pushing through important projects. I will mention only the\u00a0basic principle here, as the\u00a0topic is very broad given the\u00a0scope of the\u00a0company\u2019s activities. It is important to realise that misinformation or incorrect information spreads very easily nowadays because it is often attractive either in form or content. If there is no intelligible and objective alternative, such information becomes the\u00a0sole source for many and spreads quickly. Then all that remains is to defend oneself, which is usually a\u00a0disadvantageous position, even though we have support in legislation, technical standards, or some kind of socio-cultural consensus. My goal is therefore to establish the\u00a0level of information about the\u00a0company\u2019s activities at a\u00a0standard that will lead to a\u00a0general awareness of what we do and how the\u00a0population benefits from it in the\u00a0long term. To gain public support, so that in times of crisis we have a\u00a0foundation to build on and can rely on a\u00a0certain level of understanding that things happen for a\u00a0reason. I understand that this explanation is rather general, but from my previous experience with such ongoing campaigns, I know its value. We are currently developing this in more detail in the\u00a0company\u2019s new communication strategy we are currently working on, which will help us both with targeting and with the\u00a0main topics we want to communicate on an ongoing basis.<\/p>\n

To conclude, could you share with our readers where you see your future involvement in water management?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

That is not on my mind at the\u00a0moment.\u00a0 Right now, I have only one ambition\u00a0\u2013 to work with full commitment for the\u00a0Povod\u00ed Odry, focusing on the\u00a0tasks I have outlined in response to the\u00a0previous questions. However, I believe water management must be systematically interconnected with broader environmental aspects, particularly in the\u00a0context of climate change and other global challenges. Therefore, I consider it natural to continue developing and applying my existing experience and professional expertise in my field.<\/p>\n

Mr. Birklen, thank you for taking the\u00a0time to speak with us.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

Mgr. Petr Birklen<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mgr. Petr Birklen was born on 27 October 1974 in Opava. After graduating from Mendel Grammar School in Opava, he studied at the\u00a0Faculty of\u00a0Science of the\u00a0University of Ostrava\u00a0and later at Palack\u00fd University in Olomouc, where he specialised in hydrobiology. After completing his studies, he worked for ten years in state nature conservation, where he held the\u00a0position of\u00a0head of the\u00a0Nature Conservation Agency regional office in Ostrava, director of the\u00a0Department of\u00a0Landscape Management at the\u00a0Ministry of the\u00a0Environment, and later head of the\u00a0Pood\u0159\u00ed PLA\u00a0Administration. After leaving public administration, he served as Executive Director at Ekotoxa, s. r. o., and subsequently held a\u00a0position on the\u00a0board of the\u00a0regional development agency MSID, a. s. He is the\u00a0author and co-author of numerous projects focused on the\u00a0sustainable use of the\u00a0landscape and the\u00a0impacts of\u00a0climate change. Since 1 March 2025, he has been the\u00a0Director General of\u00a0the\u00a0Povod\u00ed Odry, state enterprise. He currently lives in Ostrava, is\u00a0married, and has two\u00a0adult children.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At the beginning of March this year, Petr Birklen became Director General of the state enterprise Povod\u00ed Odry. How long was the journey to this position and what does it mean to him? How did he cope with the aftermath of the 2024 floods, and how does he manage to fight against misinformation? And will the long-discussed Nov\u00e9 He\u0159minovy dam finally be built? Mgr. Petr Birklen answers our questions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":36134,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"quote","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,86,93],"tags":[1280,3887,120,3883,3880,3881,3559,2335],"coauthors":[1742],"class_list":["post-36248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-quote","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-from-the-world-of-water-management","category-hydraulics-hydrology-and-hydrogeology","category-two-articles","tag-aopk-cr","tag-director-general-of-the-povodi-odry","tag-interview","tag-life-coala","tag-moravskoslezske-investice-a-development","tag-msid","tag-nove-herminovy","tag-odra-river-basin","post_format-post-format-quote"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36248"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36248\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36320,"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36248\/revisions\/36320"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36134"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36248"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vtei.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=36248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}