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.