LIFE Wetlands4Cities (English)

Introduction

Mechelen (BE) and Tilburg (NL) are increasingly facing the consequences of climate change, such as flooding, drought, heat stress, and loss of biodiversity. Due to extensive urbanization and disrupted water management, rainwater struggles to infiltrate the soil, leading to floods. At the same time, historical interventions, such as the straightening of rivers, have damaged wetlands, resulting in the loss of natural buffers. This not only affects nature but also agriculture, which is dealing with decreasing water availability and reduced productivity.

To tackle these challenges, the European LIFE project Wetlands4Cities was launched in 2022. In collaboration with six partners from Flanders (Natuurpunt, city of Mechelen, Flemish Environment Agency (VMM), Water Board Pidpa) and the Netherlands (Natuurmonumenten, city of Tilburg, Water Board De Dommel), the project aims to restore 360 hectares of wetlands around Mechelen and Tilburg by 2027. Other partners such as The Agency of Nature and Forests (ANB) and firms such as Cummins Inc. support the project financially. By reconnecting these areas to natural waterways and retaining water longer, the project contributes to better water management, increased biodiversity, and more resilient cities and agricultural areas. The expected outcomes include reduced flood risks, less heat stress, and a more attractive landscape for recreation and nature.

More information about the different types of wetlands in Flanders, their locations, and benefits can be found here.

Wetlands4Cities in Mechelen

Natuurpunt, in collaboration with the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM), will restore 320 hectares of wetlands around Mechelen. These wetlands naturally occur in the valleys of the Barebeek, Vrouwvliet, and Zenne rivers. On World Wetlands Day, February 2, 2025, Mechelen was officially declared a Ramsar City, recognizing its commitment to wetland conservation and restoration. The city continues to focus on sustainable water management by separating rainwater from wastewater, ensuring that only clean rainwater flows into the streams, which contributes to improved water quality. At the same time, we are focusing on making the city greener, while creating a healthier and more pleasant living environment. Each area has specific plans to improve water management and restore its ecological balance.

De-paving and creating green spaces

Natuurpunt is working together with the city of Mechelen to de-pave and create green spaces where possible. This promotes water infiltration and replenishes groundwater. Where water was once quickly drained away, the aim now is to retain it locally and restore the soil's natural sponge function. This not only strengthens the resilience of the water system but also helps mitigate both droughts and floods.

Separating Rainwater and Wastewater

In collaboration with the water authority Pidpa, rainwater is separated from wastewater and can optimally be used for natural infiltration in the region. By buffering clean rainwater in areas bordering natural valleys, such as the Vrouwvliet, we help conserve the natural areas and increase Mechelen’s climate resilience. Residents were informed about this vision through information sessions, where they had the opportunity to ask questions to representatives from various departments.

Community engagement

To inspire the residents of Mechelen to reintroduce nature into their surroundings, a video featuring the famous Flemish personality Bartel van Riet has been shared. Additionally, a renovation coach is available to offer free advice on sustainable and energy-efficient renovations. Initiatives such as the Flemish Championship Tile-Flipping (March 1 - October 31, 2023) and the Vertical Gardens initiative in the Grote Nieuwendijkstraat have further promoted de-paving and nature restoration efforts.     

Furthermore, a citizen science project (2023-2027) is currently ongoing, in which residents of Tilburg and Mechelen have installed environmental sensors in their gardens. This increases awareness of the effects of heat, drought, and extreme rainfall while collecting local data on the current situation.

More information about these and other green initiatives can be found here.

Actions in the project area's

The map portrays the project area around Mechelen that consists of three sub-areas: The Zenne Valley, The Vrouwvliet Valley and the Barebeek valley.

The Barebeek Valley

The Barebeek Valley is managed by Natuurpunt, and the Barebeek river is managed by the VMM. The goal in this area is to restore natural water flow and hydrology, improving both biodiversity and water management. The focus lies on nature-based solutions, such as restoring riverbanks and stimulating natural meandering of the Barebeek. Additionally, drainage ditches are being modified, and new wetland and water zones are being created. This ensures that water is retained longer, helping to prevent droughts and floods, while restoring the connection between the river and the valley.

@Wim Dirckx

The Zenne Valley

The area of Den Battelaer, located in the Zenne Valley, was heavily modified after 1950 due to human interventions, such as the straightening of the Zenne River, cutting off meanders, and sand extraction. These changes have resulted in a lack of natural flooding and a dependence on rainwater, negatively impacting the wetlands and biodiversity in the area. Currently, the Zenne Valley is entirely reliant on rainwater, which is retained on-site for as long as possible through weirs. To restore the natural hydrology, we are focusing on two key measures: restoring the historical irrigation system by linking the Oude Zenne part back to the Zenne River and constructing new weirs. These actions will help retain water in the ecosystem for longer, promote water infiltration, and enhance biodiversity.

@Wim Dirckx

The Vrouwvliet Valley

The Vrouwvliet river flows from Begijnendijk, through Bonheiden and Mechelen, and has had a significant human influence, including realignment, straightening, and the building of dikes. The downstream river bank has concrete walls, that in the past helped transport water out of the area as fast as possible. These changes have led to a shortage of river water in Mechels Broek, causing pools and canals to dry up in the spring and summer months. This results, among other things, in the loss of wet habitats in the Mechels Broek, a crucial wetland in the region that is both a biodiversity hotspot and an important breeding ground for migratory birds. Since the implementation of the Sigma plans in the 1980s, the weirs have been removed, resulting in the loss of the connection between the river and the valley, further drying out the area.

To restore the natural hydrology, we focus on three key measures: lowering dikes, removing artificial bank reinforcements, and restoring the natural water balance. Additionally, we aim to establish a more flexible water level management by utilizing existing infrastructure, allowing us to prevent water shortages during dry periods and better regulate excess water. Finally, concrete bank reinforcements will be removed, improving water flow and contributing to a more sustainable urban ecosystem.

@Wim Dirckx

Wetlands4Cities in Tilburg

Tilburg is a city actively committed to sustainability, with special attention to the development of urban wetlands. In the Pauwels Landscape Park, 40 hectares, an innovative and attractive water and climate landscape takes center stage. 

This water system is designed to capture, purify, and return excess rainwater to nature, contributing to the ecological health of the entire region. By using advanced sedimentation and retention methods, Tilburg not only reduces urban flooding but also enriches biodiversity and supports sustainable agriculture. These efforts align with the overarching vision set out in the "City as a Water Source" strategy, adopted in 2021, which underscores the importance of integrating water management into urban planning and development.

De-paving

The municipality of Tilburg focuses on de-paving the city where possible and creating green spaces to allow better water infiltration and increase resilience against floods. In collaboration with the water authority De Dommel, they are working to separate rainwater from wastewater, reducing pressure on the sewage system during heavy rainfall and preventing water contamination. These efforts contribute to sustainable water management.

Blue Arteries

An important part of the future water system in Tilburg is the network of blue arteries. Blue arteries are waterways that play a crucial role in draining rainwater, especially during heavy rainfall. The rainwater is directed to the edges of the city, where it enters a system of sedimentation and retention ponds with helophyte filters. This system ensures that the water is eventually discharged into the central water hub in Pauwels Landscape Park.

This not only reduces flooding in the city but also contributes to a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.These blue arteries not only serve as functional conduits but also as key components of the broader climate-resilient water system. They strengthen the water-rich connections between natural areas like De Brand and Huis ter Heide, ensuring that Tilburg is better equipped to handle extreme weather events while creating spaces for biodiversity to flourish. @Stad Tilburg

Nature and Agriculture

The water landscape in Pauwels Landscape Park benefits not only the city but also agriculture. It relieves the urban water system and provides extra water for agricultural use. A network of streams, ponds, swales, and ditches promotes water retention and helps restore groundwater (displayed in map below). This supports nature-inclusive farming, where ecology and water management go hand in hand. In Tilburg, these elements come together, creating a harmonious relationship between nature, agriculture, and urban development. Streams, ponds, swales, and ditches within the park promote nature-inclusive farming, fostering a balance between ecology and agricultural productivity.

Tilburg’s wetlands also serve as crucial buffers. Projects such as the Kalverstraat, Moerstraat, and Bos en Beemdweg wetlands—outlined in the city’s detailed plans—aim to prevent flooding, improve water quality, and enhance climate resilience. These areas combine natural water management with opportunities for recreation and education, creating multifunctional spaces that bring residents closer to nature.

Community Engagement

To ensure the success of these initiatives, Tilburg actively involves its community. Residents are encouraged to contribute to climate adaptation by making their gardens more resilient through programs like Natuurmonumenten’s free climate package, which provide practical tips for combating drought and waterlogging. Events and participation activities further promote public engagement, fostering a shared responsibility for the city’s future.

An innovative educational game is also in development, designed to help children understand water management challenges and solutions. These efforts reflect Tilburg’s commitment to raising awareness and ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and involved in building a sustainable future.

More information about ongoing and future actions can be found on the website of the city of Tilburg and Natuurmonumenten.

International Importance

The LIFE Wetlands4Cities project highlights the international significance of wetland restoration as a solution to climate challenges. By restoring wetlands in urbanized regions like Mechelen and Tilburg, the project contributes to robust water management, increased biodiversity, and resilient landscapes. These efforts offer valuable insights that can be applied globally. We therefore aim to involve 50 cities and munincipalities around Europe with our project.

To further address the impacts of climate change, the project is being scaled up through the ‘Green Deal Climate-Resilient Environment,’ a collaboration between the Department of Environment, the Flemish Environment Agency, Natuurpunt, and 14 other partners. As part of this initiative, Natuurpunt leads the focus group on ‘Sponge cities’—areas designed to retain water more effectively, making cities and landscapes more resilient to extremes such as droughts and floods.

Additionally, Natuurpunt strives to restore 1,500 ha wetlands in 18 nature reserves in Flanders as part of the Wetlandplan. Furthermore, since late 2023, Natuurpunt has been a partner of Wetlands International, a global organization dedicated to wetland conservation. This partnership acknowledges Natuurpunt's expertise in Flanders and opens new opportunities to scale up wetland restoration internationally. Natuurpunt’s experience with restoration projects in densely urbanized regions provides significant added value to this international network, offering an inspiring model for climate-resilient cities worldwide. 

Updates

Eco-hydrological Study

An eco-hydrological study is underway and will be completed soon. It will determine the specific design and execution of the restoration measures.

Decoupling Works

Natuurpunt and Cummins are working together on the restoration of Mechels Broek and Den Battelaer. The collaboration project that will last more than two years focuses on water management using solar pumps. Cummins supports this initiative as part of their sustainable water program.

LIFE Wetlands4Cities on LinkedIn

From January 2025, you can follow updates on the LIFE Wetlands4Cities project on its LinkedIn page.

Mechelen declared a Ramsar City on World Wetlands Day

On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Mechelen was officially declared a Ramsar City during a special event celebrating World Wetlands Day. This recognition highlights Mechelen's commitment to wetland conservation and restoration and received widespread media coverage, including reports in HLN, Het Nieuwsblad, Stad Mechelen, Radioreflex, Gazet van Antwerpen, VRT, and Radio 2.

The event, organized by Natuurpunt, the City of Mechelen, and Thomas More, emphasized the importance of nature restoration and wetland conservation. Visitors experienced the role of water in urban environments through an immersive media installation, a unique boat tour on the Dijle, and a guided walk through Mechels Broek. Additionally, the LIFE Wetlands4Cities project and the Wetland Plan were presented, both essential for restoring wetland areas and promoting sponge nature in Flanders. During the event, ''Sponge Course'', a six-week educational program on sponge nature and climate adaptation, and the new climate cycling route around Mechelen were actively promoted.

@Wim Dirckx

Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Contact

Amelia ILIEVA

Department of Planning & Projects
Project Coordinator LIFE Wetlands4Cities
Tel. +32479962666

Partners