Within this project a rapid appraisal method was developed which makes it easier than before to scan (sub)basins on their potential for natural storage. Stroming, WWF-NL, Wetlands International and the German Consultancy Udata have recently carried out a study in which we explored the possibilities and impacts of the sponges approach: restored floodplains and (newly developed) wetlands and peatlands – “natural sponges”, at well-chosen locations in the middle-mountains of the Rhine basin. And in policy terms: it will be a concrete step in building a strong Green Infrastructure in Europe. Reviving natural retention will bring us closer to a much needed robust water system, instead of moving farther away from it. This principle is at the core of the “sponges approach”: the (re)development of natural wetlands to temporarily store water, level off flood peaks and contribute to biodiversity. At the same time it is widely recognized, also by the EU, that restoration of ecosystems brings back resilience.
Land use planners and water managers in Europe have typically relied on hard engineered structures in an attempt to protect their communities from such “natural” hazards. The result is more floods, more droughts, biodiversity loss, damage to goods and property and loss of life. Due to this, European regions have become less resilient to extreme situations. As a consequence water travels faster downhill and downstream than ever before. The reason: loss of floodplains and loss of water buffering capacity of lands and floodplains diminish the water storage capacity of river basins worldwide. Yet, this is not how most people experience it today. So it’s not a problem, rather a blessing.
Natural water retention in the valleys of the middle mountains of the Rhine region Loss of resilienceįlooding is a natural phenomenon in every river, and the basis for a rich biodiversity.
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