Map - Sponge

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Status

Stiemer Fund for the Stiemervallei

InnoFins

Status: Implemented
Category: Governance
Type of measure: Wet valley floors
Country: Belgium
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Schelde
Sub-basin: Demer

A fund as a financial arrangement to accelerate the implementation of the Stiemer project in an integrated manner. This will contribute to the transformation of the valley into an attractive green-blue vein; a place of connection, tranquility, recreation and nature. Stiemer Fund as a combination of structural co-financing by the (semi-)public partners involved and impact-based crowd lending through citizens and businesses.

Lead:: Uantwerpen
Website:: https://www.uantwerpen.be/nl/projecten/innofins/living_labs/genk/

IVN Minibos Valkenburg

Tiny forest

Status: Implemented
Category: Forests
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg NL
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geul

A tiny forest of 50 m² has been created in the heart of Valkenburg, spearheaded by IVN Natuureducatie in collaboration with VVV and Opbouwwerk Valkenburg. This initiative aims to kickstart further greening efforts in the city center, enhancing biodiversity, improving water retention, and mitigating heat stress. The project is expected to attract visitors and raise awareness about Natuurkracht, featuring informative boards, a campaign site, and an outdoor escape route.

Lead:: Natuurkracht
Period:: 2024
Website:: https://landlab.nl/node/147

Heuvel Angus

Grafts and hedges

Status: Implemented
Category: Open field
Type of measure: (re-)develop hedge structures
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg NL
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geul

The project focuses on restoring natural landscapes within agricultural areas to enhance water retention and delay runoff. Specifically, it aims to restore and plant bare graves — mini-terraces on slopes that have become overgrown with shrubs — as well as establish thicket hedges around Vrouwenheide in Eys and Simpelveld. These efforts will be implemented on steep, elevated terrain where water currently drains too rapidly into the Eyserbeek and, ultimately, the Geul River. The goal is to prolong water retention and slow its movement through the landscape. This initiative is particularly noteworthy due to the strong collaboration between the Limburg Landschap Foundation and the farm Heuvel Angus, working together on-site to achieve these environmental objectives.

Lead:: Natuurkracht
Period:: 2024

Flooding and retention zone

Status: Implemented
Category: River valleys and wetlands
Type of measure: Wet valley floors
Country: Belgium
Region: Province de Liège
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Gulp

Implemented through the project "Grenzeloos Gulpdal"

Lead:: Stichting ARK Rewilding Nederland
Period:: 2023-2024

AQUADRA Natural retention basins

Status: Implemented
Category: River valleys and wetlands
Type of measure: Wet valley floors
Country: Belgium
Region: Province de Liège
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Gulp

Implemented through the Interreg project AQUADRA

Lead:: ADL Plombières
Period:: 2011-2013

Restoration of the river valey of Ossebach in Büllingen

Status: Implemented
Category: River valleys and wetlands
Type of measure: Wet valley floors
Country: Belgium
Region: Ostbelgien
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Amel

The Ossebach is an open valley with slopes that are partly occupied by spruce monocultures, which will be transformed. The restoration includes pond digging, the creation of an alluvial forest, the planting of hedgerows, and a large meadow orchard. The new location of the village house and the proximity of the school (BIB) certainly provide an opportunity to raise awareness of nature and landscape conservation among a wider public. The creation of a cycle bridge across the valley is also planned.

Lead:: Parc naturel Hautes Fagnes - Eifel
Period:: 2023-2026

Sustainable management of small private forests

LEADER "Privatwälder"

Status: Implemented
Category: Forests
Type of measure: Forestry measures
Country: Belgium
Region: Ostbelgien
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Amel

The project was primarily aimed at private forest owners with plots smaller than 5 ha. The objective was to achieve: General information and sensitisation with regard to the economic and ecological functions of private forests. Improve information for owners (especially for owners who manage their forests themselves). General promotion of forest owners' interest in their plots. Individualised advice on sustainable forest management in the municipality of Burg-Reuland (2022) and in the municipalities of Amel and Büllingen (2023). Grouped silvicultural measures and networking between forest owners. Project area: LAG 100 Dörfer - 1 Zukunft.

Lead:: Parc naturel Hautes Fagnes - Eifel
Period:: 2022-2023
Website:: https://leader-ostbelgien.be/highlight/privatwald/

Pilot project for grouped wastewater treatment in Holzheim

LEADER 'Verbesserung der Wasserqualität'

Status: Implemented
Category: Governance
Type of measure: Water quality
Country: Belgium
Region: Ostbelgien
River basin: Rhein
Sub-basin: Mosel

In Holzheim, a pilot project for grouped wastewater treatment in an autonomous treatment zone was implemented together with the village association. Some of the wastewater from a total of 14 households ran untreated and polluted into the nearby stream below the village. This new alternative treatment system filters out and clarifies a large proportion of the organic pollutants so that the stream is now less polluted in its source area.

Lead:: Parc naturel Hautes Fagnes - Eifel
Period:: 2016-2023
Website:: https://leader-ostbelgien.be/highlight/wasserqualitaet/

A resilient landscape for more biodiversity

LEADER "Resiliente Landschaft"

Status: Implemented
Category: Governance
Type of measure: (re-)develop hedge structures
Country: Belgium
Region: Ostbelgien
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Weser
Sub-basin: Geul

The objective is to preserve and connect habitats with large populations of species. An inventory of the ecological network is carried out in order to develop a territorial strategy and prioritise concrete actions on the ground. Communities and local stakeholders will be involved. In addition, various sensibilisation actions and, where appropriate, the implementation of pilot projects are planned. Project area: LAG Zwischen Weser und Göhl.

Lead:: Parc naturel Hautes Fagnes - Eifel
Period:: 2024-2027
Website:: https://leader-ostbelgien.be/lag-zwischen-weser-und-goehl/resilientelandschaft/

Solar biotopes

Landscape, ecologically and socially compatible ground-mounted PV systems

Status: Implemented
Category: Open field
Country: Belgium
Region: Ostbelgien
River basin: Maas
River basin: Rhein

The main topic of the project is the promotion of ground-mounted PV systems, so-called ‘solar biotopes’ on specific areas (without competition for agriculture and ecologically valuable areas), which provide for the creation of ecologically interesting microhabitats around or under the systems as well as certain landscape measures. In addition to traditional PV systems, specific solar technologies will also be tested (agrivoltaics, bifacial solar modules, etc.) in combination with ecological and landscape measures. Project area: LAG 100 Dörfer - 1 Zukunft.

Lead:: Parc naturel Hautes Fagnes - Eifel
Period:: 2024-2027
Website:: https://leader-ostbelgien.be/lag-100-doerfer-1-zukunft/pvfreiflaechenanlage/

Green villages, resilience and active village communities

LEADER "Grüne Dörfer" & LEADER "villages et territoires résilents"

Status: Implemented
Category: Open field
Type of measure: (re-)develop hedge structures
Country: Belgium
Region: Province de Liège
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Amel

The project aims to strengthen the green (and blue) infrastructure in and around the villages in order to increase biodiversity, resilience to the consequences of climate change and the integration of the villages into the landscape. A call for ‘green model villages’ will be launched, aimed at active village groups and residents. The selected villages will receive a detailed landscape analysis and a concept for strengthening the green infrastructure. Project area: LAG 100 Dörfer - 1 Zukunft & GAL Fagne Haute Amblève.

Lead:: Parc naturel Hautes Fagnes - Eifel
Period:: 2024-2027
Website:: https://leader-ostbelgien.be/lag-100-doerfer-1-zukunft/gruenedoerfer/

Biodival

LEADER ‘Improving the ecological function of hedges by diversifying their functions’.

Status: Implemented
Category: Open field
Type of measure: (re-)develop hedge structures
Country: Belgium
Region: Province de Liège
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Weser

The main objective was to create a structure for maintaining and developing the region's hedges and trees. In order to restore added value to the hedgerows, a feasibility study has been carried out by the Valbiom consultancy, which has identified possible ways of adding value to the hedgerows. The project includes a vast inventory of hedgerow in the three GAL regions, sensibilization actions, grouped acquisition of plants and the planting of new hedgerows. Project area: LAG 100 Dörfer - 1 Zukunft, LAG Zwischen Weser Göhl & GAL Pays de Herve - Future.

Lead:: Parc naturel Hautes Fagnes - Eifel
Period:: 2018-2023
Website:: https://leader-ostbelgien.be/highlight/biodival/

Ecological restoration of the Stadtbach in the Josephine Koch Park in Eupen

Preliminary study

Status: Implemented
Category: Governance
Type of measure: Landscape based restructuring of urban areas
Country: Belgium
Region: Ostbelgien
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Weser

The second part of the study concernes a high artificialized river section along the Josephine Koch Park donwstream of the upper town of Eupen. Two separate preliminary studies therefore need to be carried out, but these need to be placed in the broader context of the catchment area (hydrological and natural issues) and an urbanised context (land issues, soil sealing, artificialisation of environments).

Lead:: Parc naturel Hautes Fagnes - Eifel
Period:: 2024-2025
Website:: https://botrange.be/project/restauration-ecologique-du-stadtbach-a-eupen-protection-contre-les-crues-de-deux-secteurs/

Ecological restoration and flood protection, Schimmericherbach in Eupen

Preliminary study

Status: Implemented
Category: Governance
Type of measure: Landscape based restructuring of urban areas
Country: Belgium
Region: Ostbelgien
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Weser

Eupen was hard hit by the catastrophic floods of 2021, particularly in the Stadtbach basin in the Nispert district. To remedy this problem, the idea of carrying out a preliminary study of a section of the watercourse upstream of Nispert was born. This section includes agricultural land, including a potentially urbanisable area at the valley bottom.

Lead:: Parc naturel Hautes Fagnes - Eifel
Period:: 2024-2025
Website:: https://botrange.be/project/restauration-ecologique-du-stadtbach-a-eupen-protection-contre-les-crues-de-deux-secteurs/

Restauration of the Haasbach in Nispert

Status: Implemented
Category: River valleys and wetlands
Type of measure: Landscape based restructuring of urban areas
Country: Belgium
Region: Ostbelgien
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Weser

With the support of the Nature Park, an initial project was submitted in late summer 2023 as part of Wallonia's recovery plan (project 99) around the Haasbach between the Eastern Parks and Heidberg Park (ecological and hydrological resilience). This project aims to restore a stretch of the river downstream of the quarter of Nispert and upstream of the centre of the upper town. This project, which is based on the principles of ‘ nature based solutions ’, will improve the ecological quality of a heavily artificial section of the river, while providing partial protection for the town centre against new flooding. The creation of a cycle path, of sensibilisation mesures and the expansion of the urban park are also part of the project.

Lead:: Stadt Eupen
Period:: 2024-2026

Cascade of ponds Ravensbosch

Historical ponds

Status: Implemented
Category: River valleys and wetlands
Type of measure: Wet valley floors
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geul

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

Lead:: Staatsbosbeheer
Website:: https://www.beekdaelen.nl/gebiedsgerichte-aanpak-schimmert-ravensbosch

Restoration of terraces with swales

Status: Implemented
Category: Open field
Type of measure: (re-)develop hedge structures
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geleenbeek

Restored planting on grafts, combined with shallow swales uphill of the hedges

Lead:: Natuurmonumenten
Period:: 2019

Fondation ELZEARD

Cascade of ponds

Status: Implemented
Category: River valleys and wetlands
Type of measure: Wet valley floors
Country: Belgium
Region: Province de Liège
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Voer

Cascade of ponds in the middle of a dry valley.

Lead:: ELZEARD
Period:: 2023

De Wij

Foodforest

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agroforestry
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geul

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

Lead:: Astrid Merkx
Period:: since 2008
Website:: https://dewij.nl/

Foodforest Geulle

Foodforest with swales

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agroforestry
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Maas

Some small swales intercept water runoff.

Lead:: André Cremers

Hei 15

Foodforest

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agroforestry
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Maas

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

Voedselbos Sjetootje

Foodforest

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agroforestry
Country: Belgium
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geer

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

Velorium voedselbos

Foodforest

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agroforestry
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Maas

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

Website:: https://voedseluithetbos.nl/projecten/velorium-voedselbos/

Het Oer-dal

Foodforest

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agroforestry
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

Schansgaard

Foodforest

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agroforestry
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geul

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

Voedselbosje Benzenrade

Foodforest

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agroforestry
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geleenbeek

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

De Grenstuin

Foodforest

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agroforestry
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geleenbeek

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

Website:: https://www.grenstuin.nl/

Ravensbosch

Stone checkdam

Status: Implemented
Category: River valleys and wetlands
Type of measure: Wet valley floors
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geul

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

Period:: 2023

Voedselbos Beek

Foodforest

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agroforestry
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geleenbeek

Highly structured and deeply rooted vegetation effectively slows down and enhances the infiltration of rainwater.

Lead:: Robert en Monique Knops
Period:: since 2015
Website:: https://voedseluithetbos.nl/projecten/voedselbos-beek/

Ingendael

Nature development with grazing

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agricultural practices
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geul

Shrubs and tall grasses give the floodplain a high level of roughness.

Lead:: Limburgs Landschap
Website:: https://www.limburgs-landschap.nl/natuurgebied/ingendael/

Ora et Labora

Swales of Priorij Regina Pacis

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agricultural practices
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geul

Former arable field transformed in fruit meadow with swales and hedges.

Lead:: Natuurmonumenten
Period:: 2024
Website:: https://natuurkracht.org/nieuws/2024/fonds-natuurkracht-steunt-ora-et-labora

The Longest Hedge of Limburg

Joining forces with volunteer hedge planters

Status: Implemented
Category: Open field
Type of measure: (re-)develop hedge structures
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geul
Sub-basin: Gulp

Hedges provide a boost to biodiversity and allow water to be better absorbed into the soil. By planting (thicket) hedges high in the catchment area, they contribute to slowing down the drop of water into the Geul and Gulp rivers.

Lead:: Natuurkracht
Period:: since 2023
Website:: https://www.ivn.nl/provincies/limburg/aan-de-slag/natuurkracht/de-langste-haag-van-limburg/

Lubosch Land

A nature-inclusive family farm

Status: Implemented
Category: Agriculture
Type of measure: Agricultural practices
Country: Netherlands
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Maas
Sub-basin: Geul

The transformation project should climate-proof a neighbourhood in the valley with nature-based solutions.

Lead:: Familie Nieboers
Period:: since 2021
Website:: https://luboschland.nl/

Stiemervallei

A blue-green urban vein

Status: Implemented
Category: River valleys and wetlands
Type of measure: Wet valley floors
Country: Belgium
Region: Provincie Limburg
River basin: Schelde
Sub-basin: Demer

In the whole Stiemer valley area, demineralisation and water regulation measures will be implemented to restore natural valley and water dynamics. This will allow the valley to better fulfil its sponge function so that more water is available in dry periods, which also strengthens biodiversity. By creating green habitats, the city aims to encourage nature connection among its residents.

Lead:: Stad Genk
Period:: 2022-2027
Website:: https://omgeving.vlaanderen.be/nl/realisaties/klimaatrobuuste-inrichting-stiemervallei-genk