About Sponge
A water-resilient sponge landscape
Built through cross-border cooperation between the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine river basin.
Sponge supports local action in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine with co-funding for nature-based measures in the landscape, practical guidance, proven solutions, and a strong Euregional network.
Drought upstream, flooding downstream
Water flows from hills to valleys, from streams to rivers. In a natural landscape with trees and shrubs, water naturally goes where it is needed, moving freely without asking for directions.
But human actions are disrupting this natural flow, by weakening the natural sponge effect of the soil. Water is held for a shorter time. Higher areas become drier, while lower areas face more flooding, and the landscape loses its resilience. What was once in balance has become a risk. In the border region of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, we feel these effects every day, in our well-being and in our economy.
Yet it is possible to restore balance. By acting now and helping nature, we can reduce flooding and drought, strengthen the landscape, and keep damage manageable. That is why Sponge exists.
Drought upstream, flooding downstream
Water flows from hills to valleys, from streams to rivers. In a natural landscape with trees and shrubs, water naturally goes where it is needed, moving freely without asking for directions.
But human actions are disrupting this natural flow, by weakening the natural sponge effect of the soil. Water is held for a shorter time. Higher areas become drier, while lower areas face more flooding, and the landscape loses its resilience. What was once in balance has become a risk. In the border region of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, we feel these effects every day, in our well-being and in our economy.
Yet it is possible to restore balance. By acting now and helping nature, we can reduce flooding and drought, strengthen the landscape, and keep damage manageable. That is why Sponge exists.
Joining forces against drought and flooding
Sponge is an international program within Interreg Meuse-Rhine in which partners from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany work together on measures against drought and flooding in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. The program focuses on restoring the natural sponge effect of the landscape so that rainwater can be retained longer and flooding risks are reduced.
A sponge landscape is a landscape that can retain water and release it slowly, like a sponge. Forests, hedges, and grasslands help rainwater slowly soak into the soil. This reduces flooding and replenishes groundwater during dry periods. Due to deforestation, drainage, and construction, this balance has been disrupted, increasing the risk of both flooding and water scarcity.
Sponge operates in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine, in the border region around cities such as Maastricht, Liège, Aachen, and Hasselt. Partners from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany work together on landscape-scale solutions. Because water does not stop at borders, cooperation across the whole region is essential.
Sponge focuses on organizations that work with the landscape. This includes landowners, agricultural organizations, and nature organizations in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. They can submit ideas for measures that help retain water and reduce flooding.
Sponge provides a funding scheme for local initiatives. Landowners, agricultural organizations, and nature organizations can apply for funding for nature-based measures in the landscape. Examples include planting hedges and trees, creating wadi’s, or redesigning land so water is retained longer and released more slowly.
In addition to funding, Sponge offers practical guidance, access to proven solutions, and support through a strong Euregio-wide network.
Turn your idea into action.
Do you have an idea to contribute to a water-safe sponge landscape? Sponge helps you go from idea to action with co-financing, guidance, proven solutions and a strong Euregional network.
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