European landscape resilient to climate extremes strengthened thanks to enhanced sponge functioning
How can the natural water storage capacity of landscapes be restored? This ‘sponge function’ of the landscape is important for storing surplus rain water, replenishing groundwater reserves and protecting biodiversity. The European Union is investigating how to achieve this goal in the Horizon Europe programme. Deltares is involved in two of the three research projects: SpongeScapes and SpongeWorks
More than a hundred researchers, practitioners and regional representatives gathered in Toulouse, France, at the end of September for the annual meetings of SpongeScapes and SpongeWorks. The projects presented new knowledge and progress on the implementation of sponge measures. Together, they explored ways to scale up sponge strategies as a natural defence against flooding, drought and other climate extremes.
Ellis Penning, expert in Nature-based Solutions and aquatic ecology at Deltares, is coordinator of the SpongeScapes research project and co-coordinator of the SpongeWorks project. She sees major advantages in European cooperation: "By connecting local and European projects in the field of sponge measures, we are turning separate initiatives into a joint movement. This accelerates implementation, increases impact and makes landscapes across Europe more resilient to climate extremes."
Knowledge development on sponge action
SpongeScapes has a duration of four years and is now starting its third year. There are fourteen case studies in seven countries. The case studies have already produced a number of important documents for policy and practical on-the-ground management. There is a policy brief on the concept of sponge action and a critical review of current knowledge on sponge action in Europe. A webinar series on sponge measures, monitoring and modelling has been developed. Some initial results of monitoring and modelling of 14 case studies have also been published, a publication on the additional benefits of sponge measures has been produced, and a Geo-design tool has been developed. This tool for landscape strategies is currently being tested in the Dutch Aa-dal Noord together with Water Authority Aa and Maas.
SpongeScapes thus provides a good knowledge base for SpongeWorks to focus on practical research.
Sponge effect in practice
SpongeWorks is implementing nineteen sponge measures on 4,000 hectares of land and 47 kilometres of river in three regions: the Lèze (France), Pinios (Greece) and Vecht (Netherlands/Germany). The measures range from improving agricultural practices, implementing hedges, buffer strips and infiltration ponds to large-scale restoration of rivers, wetlands and peatlands.
In a unique 2-hectare “sponge park” in Pinios (Greece) various techniques and landscape forms will be tested. In the Lèze (France), the first groundwater measuring probes have been installed and beaver dam analogues are being tested as a low-tech sponge measure. A green cycle route, green car parks and an expansion of green zones in urban areas of Gemeente Hardenberg have been realised as part of the Vecht demonstrator (Netherlands/Germany). In addition to these pilot sites, there are eight other associated regions receiving tailor-made support to make their landscapes more climate-proof through sponge action.
Next to these practical aspects, SpongeWorks is investigating aspects of socio-economic benefits, financing, governance and participation. The project will continue until August 2028.
Dr Christian Albert of Leibniz University and SpongeWorks coordinator emphasises the social importance: ‘Sponge measures are not just about water management, but about protecting our communities from extreme weather, strengthening resilience and ensuring that local voices have a say in EU policy.’
Both projects are funded by the European Union and UKRI (UK Research & Innovation).
